VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 31 Heads

I have two 31 heads with different numbers on them. The one that I took off of my phaeton was #836275, I just received a replacement head from a guy and it has the #835503 on the casting. It also has studs for the manifold whereas the one that I took off has two studs, one on each end and bolts in the middle. Before I take it in to get a valve job on it I want to be sure that it is correct. Any help would be appreciated. I can send a picture in an email if anyone needs to see them side by side. Thanks

Sal,
835503 is a 1929 head. It will have the mount for the electric temperature gauge on the driver's side front. It has smaller intake valves so doesn't breathe as well as the '30-'31 head.

Sal........don't use the 1929 cylinder head on your 1931 phaeton. It is a step backwards and a down grade. The 1929 cylinder head doesn't breathe as well as the 1931 cylinder head like Chipper mentioned. Since you have a phaeton I suggest that you continue looking for the correct 1931 cylinder head.

Thanks Skip, I will keep looking for the correct head.

Good move. You would not be satisfied with the 1929 cylinder head on your 1931 phaeton.

Good luck with your search.

Sal, about two years ago, I sold The FIlling Station 5 heads for 1930/31. After they magnifluxed them, 3 of them had cracks. So be very careful in acquiring heads that have been stored for a long time. The odds are not good that you'll find a flawless head on the very first try.

Are you coming to Seattle anytime? (hint). PM me.

Hi Bill, no plans to go to Washington. A guy in Garfield, Wa has a couple of heads one of which he boxed up and sent to me without me seeing it prier him shipping it. Well it came yesterday and it is for a 29. Now I need to call him and figure out what to do. He has another one but I do not know the numbers on it. There is also a guy down in Fountain Valley, south of me that has an engine for sale with the head. Hope that you are doing well.

Chipper, is a #836273 a 31 head?

There are two numbers that have been used for the 1930-31 heads. 836273 as the casting number and 836275 the part number. It may be that the 836275 was put on some heads. I don't recall seeing it on a head.

The head that came off of the car is the #836275. There is a guy that has an 31 engine and that head on it is # 836273. I am going to buy the engine because it is located not to far from me. Hopefully the head is in better shape that mine. Thanks for the reply.
Sal

The Master Parts Price List book (for 29 - 32) shows a picture for the 836275 head and lists 3 heads as 835674, 836275 and 836717 for $18.00 each. Try and buy one for $18.00 today (Ha Ha).

I have a spare head I have been hording with the number 836273. I don't know where that number actually comes from. Sounds a little confusing to me. What do you think, Chipper?

Hi OldCrank, I am going to buy a 31 engine that that is just down the road from me. The head on that one is the 836273 number. I am going to wait until the 2nd of Dec to get it because I would be going down through all those fires in southern Calif. I saw pictures of the head but you can't tell much until you get it cleaned up. Has your head been magnafluxed? This engine was supposed to be running when it was removed. I will keep my figures crossed. Thanks for the reply.

The 836273 is the casting number for the 836275.

Thanks Steve, then I should have the correct head on the engine that I am buying.