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#2510 01/19/2002 10:05 AM | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 1 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 1 | I have a 1959 Apache. I am trying to figure out wich way to go. The 235 runs but it is low geared and gets about 12 mpg at 55.Do I rebuild and and high performance parts to the 235 or do I drop in a 350 w/ auto? If I stick with the 235 where can I get the parts? I would like this to be a daily driver when I am done! | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 27 Member | | Member Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 27 | Start by rebuilding that carb, changing your plugs, checking your timing and upgrading your ignition. I'm seeing 14 mpg around town hammering it and 17 mpg if I drive like a sane person with a 3 speed and a 4.11 rear. I run a junkyard HEI out of a 250 and that netted me almost 2 mpg right there. I wouldn't rebuild the engine unless something is wrong.
If you want fast, reliable and inexpensive, Phat can post a pic of a crate 350. If you want cheap and reliable without a lot of work, Phat can post a picture of his 235 with a Holley 2bbl and a T5 overdrive 5 speed behind it.
It all depends on how much money you want to spend.
Chris | | | | | | Anonymous Unregistered | | Anonymous Unregistered | If you were my customer i would say go with the 350(cause it makes me more cash,not reallycause i think i match the motor to the customer) I love the little 235/261. The 235 in my personal truck gets 17mpg on its worst day and have gottin it to 25 mpg on the highway driving it easy(that dont happen much)Runnin 75-85 mph it gets a solid 19-20 mpg on the highway.It wont beat a 5.0 mustang around town but on the highway(were i drive most times)it scares the crap out of the biggest motored Hot Rods out there.It will run in the triple diggits if the wife aint lookin(i have disconected the speedo again so i dont get grief). The hard parts for the engine are avail at your local parts store .The HiPO stuff you cant beat the guys at patricks or clifford.There is one other ......um person in mich that i would not buy a carb gasket from .But most supplier are pretty good. 1500 bucks is a real good motor and have built some 6-800 buck motors that run for years. The guys here wont steer you wrong. The biggest help will be to change out the rear and get it to something in the 2:73-3:55 range depending on trans and if your going to load heavy ,light or not. | | |
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