The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Which cam should I have in 1956 235

I have a 235 from what I'm told was a "1956 Chevy stepside truck" (so I assume 1/2 ton), and low mile. It does have the 848 head. I don't have access to it at the moment, so trying to figure out if there is a way for sure to tell if it has a mechanical camshaft - without tearing it apart. Would like to try and run it on a test stand, as the guy I got it from seemed pretty reliable that it was a still running truck, he did the usual pull it for a SBC. It's been stored inside a garage on a stand.

I know the old oil wasn't as great, and oiling system either, but it would be fun to just see it running before tearing it all apart. It turns over well. Or is that a bad idea even after doing some of the typical soak then oil change before starting it up?

I would like to do a cam re-grind, and go solid given the current state of hydraulic lifters available. Excuse my ignorance, I've read alot, but I'm no engine builder and am not up on the intricacies of mechanical vs hydraulic cams.

Truck engines did not run hydraulic lifters, so if the stamped number beside the distributor indicates it was originally installed in a truck, it came from the factory with a solid lift cam. Schneider Cams in San Diego California can put any lobe shape you want on a cam that's not badly worn. Be sure to get the lifters reground along with the cam- - - -used lifters installed on a new or reground cam will probably destroy it. Pull the pushrod cover off the side of the engine and remove one lifter. If there is a wire snap ring at the top of the lifter and a removable plunger in the middle, the lifter is hydraulic. Hydraulic lifters cannot be swapped onto a solid cam, nor will solids work on a hydraulic cam. The lobe geometry is different.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry, I did not know the lifters could also be refurbished. I also have a 216 in my 49 Fleetline, which is where the 235 will go if I don't put the rebuilt 292 in it (debating on going the quicker route to just get it on the road with the 235 and T-5 vs the mods needed for the 292). I've read your posts, and Schneider was the route I had thought would be best for me. Guess you didn't buy the cam grinding machine huh?! lol

The rocker shaft is broken in the 216, guessing that's what parked it in 1970 - it was my wife's great grandfathers car he bought new. Think when I pull it out I'll save some parts from it to make some various shop/house decorations or items - but I'll hang on to the cam and let you know when I do. Unless someone miraculously decides they want to buy a complete 216!

I collect 216s by the dozen - - - -once I'm done with them, they have a pressure-lubricated 235 crankshaft with a 3/8" longer stroke, and they displace 258 cubic inches. They also look bone-stock original from the outside. A 235 with the same stroker becomes a 270, and a 261 grows up to be nearly 300 cubes! Keep me in mind if the whole 216 could use a new home. Somebody beat me to the cam grinder- - - -looked nearly brand new, and the asking price was only $8K. That's a $25K machine, minimum!

"AL" is a big place. I'm a few miles above the Alabama state line near Interstate 65. Anywhere close to you?
Jerry

I'm in the Bham metro. Headed past your way tomorrow for the SETN show in Lebanon.

You'll be disappointed in that one. Take plenty of sunscreen, and a good set of earplugs. The boom boxes on most of those rigs shake the ground! Whenever that 216 needs a home, drop me a note.
Jerry

Can’t tell if you have solid or hydraulic tappets?
With the engine shut down, and any valve closed, loosen its adjuster until its rocker arm “clacks” on the valve stem.
Wait 5 minutes.
Now slowly tighten the adjuster (turn it CW).
Take up the slack until the rocker arm won’t move.
Slowly tighten it another full turn.
If the valve opens, it’s a solid tappet.
If the pushrod goes down (but the valve doesn’t open), it’s a hydraulic tappet.

Jerry,
Haha, I know it's not a big stovebolt truck attended show. I'm a squarebody guy, so hoping to maybe find a few parts at the swap meet and get a few ideas for my Square Burb.

Sounds like I need to have a conversation separately with ya about the future of my 235. The 49 is a one family owned car, and although I had big ideas of having all the bodywork done and paint etc etc, everyday family and kids and then covid issues that caused my wife to be a poster child for long covid and now on disability - have caused me to rethink. I stripped the 49 down to the bare bones and it's just been sitting in the garage waiting. I'm now thinking the 235 with a T5 that I have, rebuild the factory front suspension instead of the pricier IFS kits, and get her on the road in a "patina" state so my wife can enjoy the car. Maybe I'll find a square or even an early 50's truck to put the fresh 292 in.

I've got a couple of square body pickups taking up space in my pasture. At least one of them needs a new home. Let's take this to PM and work up a trade.
Jerry