Also the stock camshaft Chevrolet used in the 1959 through 1962 235 engines produces max torque at around 17% less rpm and gives a flatter torque line. There was on the Heritage Pages (sorry but I haven't been able to locate it after GM "cleaned up" those pages around a year ago) a memo to dealers explaining the changes, what they caused and why they were made. The memo also mentioned it was one of the steps GM was taking to reduce smog in bumper to bumper traffic...that being more power at lower rpm. You can see the effect of the changes if you compare the power curve lines GM released for those engines. They got close to max torque around 1600 rpm and the line stayed flat until around 2800 rpm.

~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end