348 head-1958-has water passage around plug

[W Head]

I came across a 1958 head #3759256. It has a water passage around the spark plug hole. I did not believe 58s had this. The water passage around spark plug :doh began on 59 models. I can not find a casting date, where the casting should be is a wagon wheel design and the letters CFO. Was this a replacement head for 58s when they cracked around the plug hole? Any one know???

[SS425HP]

I think the water cooled plug head was a running change in 58. Richard Martin can probably put a definitive answer to this. I had a late 58 315 car, and I think it had the non cooled plugs. But, memory can be funny. I do know I put a 409 short block in it in 62, and still was able to call it a 58 motor. That's why I think it had the non cooled heads. BTW, paid $385.00 for the high performance short block. Brand new. Wish I could do that again, today.

Fred

[MK IISS]

Service bulletin DR #369 dated September 23, 1958 states a revised spark plug cooled head was incorporated into production and service replacement. Initially this new head was factory installed on the truck 348s around April '58 and on the RPO 573 "police cruiser" 348 around May 1st. A revised block was also used. For the '59 model year all versions of the 348s used this improvement.

[oil4kids]

i posted a photo at

http://www.348-409.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2059

[Southtowns27]

If you need a set of heads without the passage around the plug, I have them. Message me if you're interested :)