The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Fixing up a 235

Well I got a lot of responses on my other post about being at the crossroads and a lot of good input. So if I was to go with the six (which is the way I am still leaning) what are some of the things that you have done or can be done to get a few more horsepower, having it sound better etc. etc..

What would be the best gearing set up for the tranny and rear end as far as goiing down the highway and still being able to go through town on graffiti night? That was for me.lol

Single or dual barrel carb? all of these questions. Should I change the generator to alternator, he is going to want a sound system and it will probably have to thump.lol... I do think that he will be happy listening to a sound that does not sound like a sewing machine running.lol

Any input will be much appreciated.

As far as pictures, I will get them in as soon as I get out of jail, that is where I am headed if oldest son does not get his camera over here as promised pretty soon. lol..

Thanks for everything,

evilstepdad

Put in Fenton headers and dual carbs. You'll get extra horses and a great sound.

Call Patricks if you want details on how to really get set up.

Check mine out. My site I just got it "done" (Never really done). I rebuilt a 235 with a little cam in it. Sounds cool and I don't even have dual exhaust yet. I went with a T5 5speed and a 3.73 rear end. 5th gear is a little to tall. (have to be on flat road with no hills) I could have used a 4.11 rear no problem. Let me know if you have any questions. I'd be happy to help. Good luck

I agree with these guys on the dual 1bbls and dual exhausts. Aldo, you might consider finding a later model 235 (58-62) they naturally had substanially more horsepower,had pressurized lube and were 12 volt. Transmission and rear choices depend on a lot of things...what your going to use your truck for, cost, complexity of installation. I've had a lot of luck with Saginaw 4spd, open driveline and 3.42 rear (including axle & brakes) out of a mid 80's full size 4WD Blazer...easy, cheap and a good middle of the road performer.

I hear ya on the dual carbs etc.etc. If I wanted to go that way where would I be able to find the parts to make that work?

Thanks,

evilstepdad

What year of 235 is it? If it doesn't have one, check into an 848 head (that's the last 3 digits of the casting number on the manifold side of the head). They have the highest stock compression ratio of all 235's (8.3:1, I believe). Also, for more grunt but still retaining good behavior, check into a cam for a 261. Higher lift and longer duration than the 235 cam, but no bad manners of a race cam, plus it is cheaper. I picked up mine for around $110. A petronix ignitor or Langdon's mini HEI dizzy will help more than you realize. Most parts vendors sell the dual carb manifolds and linkage set-ups, but most don't sell matched carbs. For it to run properly, the carbs have to be matched. Personally I like my split manifold better than Fentons. Fentons are cool, and will scavenge better than the split manifold, but I like the stock thermostatic heat riser better than the Fenton heat tubes. And, I've seen arguments from both sides, but I've seen first hand what a difference the heat riser makes, even in 70 degree weather. As far as gearing, after much thinking, I've decided I like the old 4.11:1 rear end and 3 speed. It gives plenty of power to move, and will run at 60 mph with no problem. And, I never have to worry about down shifting.

Tim...a Stovebolt at 60mph with a 4.11 rear...that engine must sound like jet on afterburner? I agree with your other ideas...one issue to consider is what carbs to use in a 2X1 confiuration. My experience tells me to avoid 1bbl Rochesters (leaky, hard to adjust, lousy mileage and 2 of them is too much carburetion for that motor)..I suggest a pair of Carter WFs for the opposite of all the reasons that I wouldn't use Rochesters.

Yeah, 60 mph with a 4.11 rear end. This engine is brand new, but I did it with the old one too. This new engine has a bit of harmonic vibration between 50 and 55, but smooths out really nice at 60. Turns just a little under 3000 rpms. Don't know if I'd do it all day, but it seems to like it for my 10 mile commute.

As for carbs I would agree about avoiding Rochesters. I would check Carters or Zeniths. Or how about finding a couple of adapters and running Stromberg 94's? I have seen dual Rochesters, but I wouldn't do it. There's a good reason they didn't do it in the 50's.

Thanks for all the input,

The last 3 digits of the casting number on the manifold side of the head are 913. The full number looks to be 3885913 but as I look closer at the first number it looks just like the two 8's by it but there is a little punch mark right where the front is where an eight would come together so the first number could be an 8 and the number would be 8885913. That was a lot to say a little..lol

evilstepdad

Ive been talking with a guy here in Sutherlin Oregon that makes custom turbo kits for just about any aplication. Ive been thinking of adding a small turbo since the 235 is already a fairly low compression motor. I may be crazy to try it but I think half the charm of these old trucks are the column shifters and the old sixes. If it works out without blowing things to pieces ill let everyone know what we used. It seems like we are right in your neck of the woods evilstepdad because im working on my 54 for Graffiti as well!!!!

bullnosebob,did tha t5 bolt right up to your 235?did you have to change the clutch disc?are you using a rear crossmember or the bellhousing one?i have a t5 from a 2.8 camaro id like to put in my 61 apache with a 235.

i don't know what all the fuss about rochesters are, i have mismatched ones. a reg choke and a auto choke that i modified, i get good response especially since i added a heat riser plate last week and it runs fine. the power is such that with a nova 2.73 rearend and 235-70-15 tires it pulls strong after 1000 rpms. i was really surprised at the improvement. i wonder why i am still looking for improvements in other areas. i have a 60 mga that i would like to tow and i may need to change the rearend and trans. the mg weights 2100 lbs. ron btw there is a supercharger available for the 235.

I found a great place in Las Cruces, NM that makes the Rochesters like new with no problems.

They also make a staged linkage that gives a good fuel mix.

I'll post pics in a couple of weeks.