Ohh Ohh I get to answer first!
235's production life spanned from the mid-40s to 1962. It went through several major design changes over those years. Up till '53 the engine was a "splash lube" and didnt have full oil pressure lube to rod bearings. In '53 Chevy improved the 235 to aluminum pistons, full pressure lube with insert bearings, higher compression ratio (7.5:1) and a different head to produce a whopping 115 HP. The 55-62 engines are most desireable, having better water and oil pumps, better main bearings, higher compression, options for solid or hyd lift cams, 12 volt electricals and up to 140 HP.
The 235's major claim to fame is it was the first powerplant for the corvette. Yes its true! 53-54 vettes had a 235 with a special cam, manifolds and carbs. V8s replaced it for 55-later vettes.
Common carbs were the Rochester B models and Carter W-1. Clifford Performance makes manifolds that will accept a 2 or 4 bbl carb. Offy makes (made?) manifolds that will accept 2 or 3 of the 1bbl carbs. The 2 1bbl models are best for the street. The 3 one bbls are for show, as a street motor doesnt need them and you get into firewall clearance issues with the rear carb. There are other manifolds that will accept the holley/weber progressive 2 bbl carb(s)
Fenton split headers or having your stock manifold split are options for dual exhaust. Smittys steel wool packed mufflers are the authentic 50s hotrod muffler to use with these setups.
Clifford and Howard and others make performance cams for these engines. Solid lifter grinds are most popular. I could go on and on, but these are the high points.
Here's my setup:
'60 235 block zero-decked and bored .060", cast flattop pistons
Total Seal moly file fit rings
reconditioned stock rods
Crank cut .010"/.010" Balanced
melling std pressure oil pump
'60 pump pickup w/ '57 baffled pan.
clevite 77 rod and main bearings
Howard M4F cam, solid lifters
New rocker assys (NAPA)
recurved stock dist with petronix ignition
12 volt starter and 168 tooth ring gear
Manley street-flow valves w/hardened seats in '54 235 head, shaved .040" to raise compression.
comp dual springs and retainers, viton seals
fenton headers, smitty mufflers
clifford water heat intake, 390 CFM holley 4bbl carb.
3 speed column manual tranny, 3.55 gears.
short shaft water pump, electric pusher fan.
Makes about 165 HP at 4500 RPM. Cruises at 3,000. Keep in mind this is an obsolete engine design that dates to the 216 engine from the '30s-40s. Low RPM torque monsters. Not high winding, and siamesed head ports and heavy rotating assy keep it from being a real performance engine. But they're a lot of fun, and different. The dual exhaust has a wierd sounding exhaust note. My setup does a great job dragging a '54 Bel-Air around.
good luck
chip
