That is why you might consider a later 235. All of the passenger car 235 motors from 56 through 63 were specified for at least 140 hp. None ever actually came up to that specification but they were and remain very good reliable runners. Car motors have hydraulic cams and lifters, neoprene rear main seals, no shims on the bearings, precision main bearing and rod bearings, full pressure oiling to the motor, 848 head for higher compression, improved oiling, all that in a package that most people would not recognize as a later motor in your truck.
Can you rebuild a splash oiler and get another 90K, quite possibly. And that is what you might like to do. But in terms of getting a little more bang for the buck, the later motors are the ticket I think. They are in fact the last evolution of the 235 that Chevrolet had been steadily improving with the last improvements coming in 59 or so. Its a hard call I know. Maybe the better question is going down the road a few years, which motor will be easier to maintain and get parts for, which will work better for your needs. I dont think there is a wrong answer here. Your gut will tell which way to go.
Last edited by Dragsix; 01/12/2022 12:02 AM.
