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we are doing a ground up restoration, and our engine is a 235 from a 1954 winch truck. we plan on making this engine slightly more practical with a little bit more punch.

1. obviously one thing i have seen is the intake. any prefered carburators, or intake manifold. im not interested in fuel economy, because the truck is gonna be a sunday only truck.

2. i read somewhere that it is smart to switch to a high pressure oil system. is it a kit that i need to buy?

3. i also read that the babbit bearings should be replaced. replaced with new babbit bearings or a different type?

4. and maybe one day i will put cams in it. so any suggestions? i don't want super hot cams, but something to add a nice sound and an extra few ponies

thanks!

According to what I read in your other post, #2 is already taken care of. The original engine from your '52 would have been the low pressure oiling engine, but starting in '54 (trucks, c=qutomatic cars had it in '53), the Chevy 235 went to full pressure oiling. They filtration is still bypass, though. Not really a big deal, just keep on top of the oil change schedule and you'll be fine. This also eliminates #3. Your engine has replacable insert style bearings, just like a late model. Don't recall the exact year that changed, but it was before '52.
On #1 and 4, you'll get lots of opinions. Now, myself, I like the Holley Model 1904 carb. It looks good, it's dirt simple to work on, jets are easy to get (same as 4 bbl Holley), and they perform well. There's only one choice of intake if you buy new, and that's the Offenhauser. Several places carry it, Patricks and Langdons are the 2 most popular places. Langdons is also modified for water heat and to use the Webber designed Pinto carburetor. For a cam, you'll have to solid lifter. Had it ben a passenger car automatic block, you could run hydralic, but trucks are solid only. You've heard mine, I'm running a Howard M4F 3/4 race grind. it came from Patricks.
Along with the dual carb intake, you may want to consider a Fenton split header for dual exhaust. That'll get you that rumble, and they sound good, too.

i noticed your cams but i didn't want to come off as if i were copying you. again, thanks. you have proved to be quite helpful longbox 55. im still gonna dis-assemble the engine. to check to make sure there are no cracks of any sort. and replace gaskets. THANKS

Be sure to measure the bores in your block when you have it down. Being a '54 engine from a winch truck it could possibly be a 261 - you will have lucked out. They are a stronger engine with more potential.

the previous owner said it was a 235. but why not. it couldn't hurt anything

If you want to ID for sure, post the serial number from the machined pad just back of where the distributor mounts. There's also a casting number on the right front side of the block, next to the oil pan rail. You'll also find a casting date on the same side of the block, just behind the starter.

I would switch to EFI myself for a trouble free truck in the future. do a search for "efi 235" (without quotes) and you will find plenty.

Where's the fun in that?