The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 solid vs hydraulic lifters

I want to replace my 216 in my '53 3600 with a 235. Someone told me to look for one with hydraulic lifters because they were more quiet. Patrick's says that there are no good replacement lifters for the hydraulics and to get a solid or get a kit to change the hydraulics to solids. Which is best? At this stage, I may as well do the right thing.
Thanks
John

I'd keep the hydraulic once set they tend to stay set, there quiet,and very dependable , and You're not going to get any more HP unless You get a custom cam then You're going to have to change the carb to match and the exhaust.There are alot of original hyd.lifters out there if one ever goes bad.

Pete

Not sure why Patrick's would say that except that there is so much inferior off shore auto products sold these days. I run hydraulics in my '55 235. Hydraulic 235's were mostly associated with automatic transmission cars and that's what my engine came out of. Search around for a good condition engine here on the Stovebolt or over at Inliners. www.inliners.org You can always switch out to solids with a new cam later.

Remember that hydraulics and solids will work in an engine bored for the oil to reach them, but hydraulics will not work in an engine that is not bored for hydraulics.
My personal choice is hydraulic lifters. They are a more modern approach to an engine for street use.

I like the sound of the valves myself. Kinda sounds like a sewing machine running.

the machine shop i use ordered me a set of hydrolic lifters that were made in brazil. when i brought up the same issue of cheep lifters the machinist assured me they were of a high quality nand from a company that he uses regularly for parts on other motors as well. i dont remember the brand but they look well made. the machinist i mentioned is reputable.

my point? i think there are sources for quality hydrolic lifters out there.

Thanks to all for the info. Now if I can just find a nice 235 near Western North Carolina. I have no idea of how to get one shipped.
John

Call some junk yards in you're area there were LOTS of 235s built and for many years in cars and trucks,try and find one from a car with a power glide trans,it will be full pressure oil and hyd. lifters get rid of the power glide and bolt up You're 216 bell housing,clutch and trans and You're off and running ,You'll also have some water pump changing to do they sell the pump for this.

Pete

Might mention that the 235 engines with hydraulic lifters came in powerglide equipped cars beginning in 1953, but a 235 engine from a later year would probably be better.

Larry

Also be aware that the cam lobe profile is different for solids/hyd.
If solids are used with hyd cam the clearances must be set much tighter (probably .002-.003) to get any quietness at all and to prevent increased seat wear and even valve head breaking off.
If hyd are used with solid cam the valve timing will be crazy and the idle/low end performance may suffer because of the solid lifter cam having a ramp to take up the normal clearance slowly.

If a motor is not presently running,as in a junk yard, how can I tell if it is a safe bet to purchase it to have it rebuilt? I would hate to get a cracked block or ruined insides, etc. Any shopping ideas or simple field tests?
Thanks
John

I check by pulling plugs, check the oil, pull valve cover, see if I can turn it over by hand.

All of the above,when You check the oil make sure there is no anti freeze in it ,also some junk yards will give you're money back on a cracked block just make a deal with them and get it in writing ,as far as worn insides unless the engine has just been rebuilt no one knows whats good or bad in an engine even if it was running last week.

Pete

Look for a 56 or later 235 if you can. Bigger intake valves, as I remember, maybe other improvements.