I know of a 235 in a 41 Chevy that was meticulously machined and put together by a reputable speed shop. I don't know all of the particulars, but I will tell you what I do know. Bored .060 over, 848 head milled, resulting in 8.5 to 1 compression, cam of unknown make, fenton headers, clifford intake with a small Holley 4 barrel, I'm sure the head was massaged some. The engine made 150 horsepower on an engine dyno. I am sure that if he had not been good friends with the speed shop owner it would have cost him lots. There are always trade offs when building any engine. Dual carbs on these small displacement inline sixes will improve fuel distribution somewhat. However you are going to give up some low end torque to gain horsepower in the upper rpm range with dual carbs, not to mention a much bigger hassle to tune. Horsepower ratings in the 50's were figured differently than they are today (a little more optimistic back then). I would like to see a 50's stock Corvette 235 on one of todays engine dynos to see what kind of power it would actually make. If you can assemble the engine yourself, and know how to double check ALL of the machine work (includes the necessity of having all the tools) and have some tuning ability, be able to check piston to valve clearance, a mild cam, a little more compression, split manifold or fenton headers, a little clean up of the ports in the head would give you a broader torque curve. That would be what I would want for a street 235. Bottom line is how thick is your wallet, and what are your abilities. Good luck!
