The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 intake

I am trying to order parts for my 235 overhaul. The block and head are at the machine shop. I was looking at the intake and it seems to have a 216 intake on the 235. Would that make much of a difference? I called Clifford about one of their Intakes and was not impressed by the knowledge of the salesman. He tried to tell me my 216 from the factory only has 11 inches of vacuum. And his intake would bring it up to 17. The intake has little to do with the vacuum unless it has a hole in it. I don't really want a 2 carb setup but if that is the best option I will go with it. Would a factory 235 intake be better than the 216? Or would the single clifford be better with a 2 barrel? The reason I am asking is because experience plus common sense means more to me than what a salesman says.

What are you going to do with the truck once it's together? Just driving on weekends, the intake you have will be just fine. Clifford intakes are designed for a higher rpm, they always have been. 25 years ago, if you wanted a street intake, most choose the Offenhauser intakes because the runners were smaller which kept the air velocity higher, which makes for a better throttle response.

The cylinder head design on the 235 is what determines performance. Without a lot of cutting and grinding, it really doesn't matter what intake you put on. The advantage of a dual carburetor intake is the distribution of the fuel mixture, not the amount. With two smaller carburetors spread apart, all the cylinders receive equal mixture. The single carb intakes tend to lean out the outer cylinders some. A single two barrel will not change the facts, the outer cylinders will still be slightly leaner.

The 216 may have smaller runners, and a smaller carburetor, but if it works and that's all you have, run it and keep your eye out for the correct factory intake down the road. You won't gain anything but a lighter bank account going aftermarket.

That would be a magic intake if it can raise vacuum !

Running a 216 intake on a 235 requires a set of stepped-down alignment rings to keep the manifold and head in the proper position. Running without the rings increases the possibility of a vacuum leak. The rings don't actually seal vacuum- - - -they just keep the gasket positioned properly. The 216 intake will increase low end torque a little, but it will rob some top end HP, even with the correct size carburetor. Most Carter YF carbs have a slotted throttle body that will fit either a 216 or a 235 intake.

Run- - - -do not walk away from anything "Clifford"- - - - -the only thing they're really good at is making your checkbook need CPR!
Jerry

Edit: If you're planning to attend the stovebolt shindig in Townsend Tennessee this year, I can bring a 235 intake with me- - - - -I've got several of them.

Thank you I have found one locally. I don't think I will be going to Tenn. Too close to My Mother in laws house so I am not allowed in that part of the country. I seen your procedure on valve to piston clearance. I will use that information when I assemble my engine. Thank you again.