230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

Hi folks,
1965 GMC 1000 with the original 230 L6. Pulled the engine to rebuild, and the machine shop tells me there is a crack by the #1 cylinder and I need a new head. They said the supplier they work with for remanufactured heads can't find any 230 heads but have some 250 and 292 heads. Said the remfg'ed 250 head including new springs, valves, guides, etc, (ready to install) is going to run about $500-600.

Is there any reason NOT to put on a 250 or 292 head onto my 230? Is there another source for a remfg'ed 230 head for about the same cost?

Gotta get back to the guy ASAP so hoping for some quick advice! Thanks all

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

Quick bump cuz I need to try to make a call by end of day today

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

I put a 194 head on a 250. Larger vales , ported and polished. they interchange. 194 is closed chamber so it will up your compression.

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

Thanks Aero, I think I'm going to pull the trigger. Called the shop this afternoon but just missed the guy I was working with, gonna call back first thing in the AM.

I feel like dropping this much money on a driver is a bit of a money pit, but in for a dime, in for a dollar.

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

Yes, the 230, 250, 292 uses the same head. The 194 head will bolt on but has a smaller combustion chamber so it will raise the CR.

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

Thanks guys. Another question on my rebuild. My bellhousing is cracked by the last starter bolt hole, so that bolt can't be used. The casting number is 3815891. As I look to order a replacement, does it matter what the left side casting number says? Mine says GM 4. I see some online that say GM 10 or GM 11 (still 3815891). They look to be the same, just don't know what the GM 4 vs GM 10 represent.

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

I have a bell housing. If you can take a picture of yours we can see if they are the same. I will be at my space tomorrow. I take it you still have my #. I can contact you when I am there if you want,.

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

Doh. I already ordered one on eBay this evening. $103 shipped, thought it was decent price not knowing anything. Most of the other ones were closer to $200 shipped. Casting number matched, looked like a fit.

Yep, still have your #

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

The one I have is probably not right . The hole from the fork is on the right side.

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

if on the right side it's for a hyd clutch

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

That seems like a very good price shipped, those things have to weigh 20lbs or more.

Re: 230 head has crack, can I use a 250 or 292 head?
 

You should get a copy of Leo Santucci's 6 Cyl Chevy book

The 194 head is a good idea, only with the extra work aerotruk63 mentioned.

If the bell is damaged only in the starter bolt area, you may want to consider using a bolt-up starter motor. Some blocks are already drilled for a conventional bolt-up starter.

Santucci's book includes a template you can use to drill your block. Scan the page or trace the template.