Hi all,
I have been working through my 235 challenges and decided to buy a used, running 235 of known provenance (meaning, the guy I bought it from bought it from a C40 to put in a truck and now sadly wants to LS swap). The block stampings say it is a 1959 block, from what I can gather. It is a later block for sure, so the stamping makes sense to me. The C40 was supposedly a '62. The part number shows as a C40, so I feel good about
this.
Block: 3764476
Pad behind distributor: F430JC
Behind the starter: D299 so April 29, 1959 I believe
Anyway, before installing the motor, I plan to do some gaskets and make it pretty. One gasket I will do is the rear main, as it has been leaking. I bought a Best Gasket kit when I first started down the road on my 54 motor, then pivoted. The gasket set is RS 543 G. It is for a 1953-1962 235. I assumed it would have all of the right parts, but it does not have the rubber rear main, only the graphite rope seal.
I called Best Gasket and they said the rope is fine, but before using it, I would like to see what this group of experts suggests. So, for a 1959 block, should I just bite the bullet and spend another $50 plus for the rubber seal or will the graphite be OK and work just as well.
Thanks for all of the continuing support on this journey!!
Jeff
