So I have a 235 with casting numbers 3837004, believe it to be a 1957. It is mated to a 3 speed column shift, seems to drive well. is this a good candidate for speed parts and hopping up?
From my limited knowledge it has to do with the oiling system in the earlier 235's (like 53 and 54 I think) didn't have it, but 55-57 did have it I believe. So You should be ok. My '53 has a '56 Chevy 235 with the pressure oiling system. Now because you have a 3 speed I think you have mechanical lifters and not hydraulic like my 2 speed powerglide, but someone else will have to either confirm or deny that.
you've got a good one. I think you are thinking of the 'splash oil' versions were earlier than that. someone else will know for sure, but I think the cutoff is around 1954
57 is a full pressure block...you are good to go! I believe the later heads are also higher compression...I'm thinking 57-62...but I'm not sure about that.
right on!! thats what I wanted to hear. its in a 40 chevy coupe and I am trying to keep it as traditional as possible. but man it sits high, need to figure out my suspension.
1953 had both the 216 "splash oil" and the 235 full pressure engines but the 235 was only an option on the Bel Air with automatic transmission. The 235 was standard starting in 1954.
The '55-57 versions are fine if you don't need the three bolt side motor mounts. The '58-62 blocks are better because of the way the oil gets to the top of the head, but the '55-57 will work fine too. The main problem with the 55-57 engines is when you try to install them in '52-54 cars or '58-62 cars because these years need the side motor mounts.
You are right about the cutoff year. 1953 was the last year for the splash oil system. 1954 was full pressure and the 4 bolt valve cover.
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Post some pictures for us so we can all take a look at what you got and try and get some with the valve cover off.
check out the head on it if the last 3 numbers are 848 in the sequence then it is a "high compression head" About 8.25:1. They are full pressure and are excellent candidates foe speed parts. you could mill the block and the head and get a little more out of it. Call Delta cams in tacoma washington. they can hook you up with a sweet cam. Check out E-pay and you will find lots of cool intakes for it. And some fenton exhaust.
Check out "inliners.org" website. 1953 with stick is non-oiler, 53 powerglide was first pressure oiler 235. 1954 on is pressure. Have a good one.
I have a 53 with a 3 speed and splasher type 235. It is a great running engine. Sounds like a sewing machine at idle and keeps 15-18 psi all day, even with a bunch of oil leaks. It might not be a great "speed parts" candidate because of babbitted bearings and splash oiling, but as long as its running im keeping it.
This is about the best deal I've seen on re-pop Fenton stuff. The used stuff usually isnt much cheaper either. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=439736&highlight=fenton+intake
I read some where 913 heads have the same compression as 848 heads.... 848 head take a modern temp gauge, which makes them a bit more desirable. Of the 3 235/261s ive gotten so far, theyve all had mismatched heads for the year. So it worth it to check all the numbers.
Very good to know. Mine is 3836848 so I guess I have the high compression head. Just now got my dual fentons, and hope to have the upgraded intake soon. Would be nice to get a new cam and other go fast goodies in the future.
thanks for the info ...mine is a 59 to 62 235 head casting 3836848 as well just installed a fenton split manifold
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