I'm kind of at a crossroads in my project and need some inputs. I'm totally redoing a 50 Chevy Styleline and am unsure weather to go with a 235/T-5 or a small block/th350. Which would be the less expensive of the two and most importantly more reliable. I know with the SB I will have to do different mounts for the engine and ****** along with a little bit of firewall modification.Both require the open drive line. I just want to do it once and do it right. Any thoughts? Thanks, Todd
Obviously, a small block would be cheaper, since they're the cheapest engine of any in this country to build. As far as reliability goes, I know that some Hambers think that 235s are unreliable, but I've run them all over hell for years and never had a problem. As long as you use a '53-'62 full pressure engine in good condition, you've got nothing more to worry about as far as breaking down than you do with any other engine. If the only matter of concern was utmost reliability, none of us would be driving 40-80 year old cars anyway.
Well ..... a tricked out inline 6 is cool, but if you want reliability and $$ is a concern I would go SBC. Also why not a 700R, way better on the highway?
No argument there...but the 235 is a bit low on power compared to a typical 350. If you're sure that's not gonna be a problem, then go for the 6 cyl. The T5 may be a bit much, one of the 55-64ish 3 speed overdrives might be more appropriate (and a more fun challenge to get working)...combined with a 55-57 car rearend.
yeah, I would go with the SB, just becuase i like the little extra power, they are definetly cheap and easier to find parts for. there is something cool about runnin the nostalgic 6's though, but if your not goin for originality go with the SB
The only thing different that I would recommend is either a 8" or 9" Ford rear end. The reason for this is that these are more readily available and parts are probably cheaper. I know at least the axle bearings a cheaper, by less than half.
I'm having my 283 rebuilt, for 1400 I'm getting a pair of rebuilt power pack heads, and a rebuilt .30 over shortblock, with felpro gaskets, high volume oil pump, comp extremem energy cam, roller timing set. The builder is a local guy, he does great work, but doesn't charge much, 1400 is probably below average, but pretty close to it. And my 283 will be, totaly traditional, in the late fifties a SBC would be just as likely to be found under the hood of a hot rod as anything else, don't feel guilty about it.
Two completely different animals... what are you looking for your '50 to do? What do you want it to sound like? It seems to me both build-ups are similiar in complexity, both relatively reliable, freeway usable ect. Have you been bombing around in this car with the 216 or 235 that I'm ***uming was in it when you got it, or maybe this was just a rolling ch***is purchase? If it has a six and you dig it, go with it! I like mine just fine and I've had a couple of small-blocks. Yeah, it's slow, but I like the way it sounds...
Like everybody has said, both reliable if built correctly, short block is cheaper but EVERYBODY's got one. The 6 with Fenton split exhaust, a couple of Carter or Zenith carbs on a Sharp or Edmound polished manifold and a Beehive filter with give you the "wow" factor and may put you in the frame of mind of being in the 50's when that's what would have been hot rodded. It's your ride, build it to please yourself and have fun doing it.
235 is a good motor if built correctly. They can be tough to get all the oil leaks stopped sometimes. If the crank is the shimmed main bearing design , get help setting that up.
Thanks for all your inputs and advice. Actually I have a 56 full pressure 235 sitting on my motor stand. It does need a rebuild. I may tare it down and get the block and head magnufluxed just make sure their ok before I proceed. It was running when pulled but swapped for a V-8. I also have a Tri-5 rear end with 3:55 gears. Their are no brake guts and I've heard the bearings are wicked expensive so I may not use it. I've heard alot of good stuff about S-10 4X4 rear ends I'll just have to do more research. I do like the "cool" factor of the six but as money gets tighter and tighter. I am looking at some monetary shortcuts. Thanks Again, Todd
NO Doubt about it for me ! I had been contemplating the same decision this morning on my way to the swap meet, I look in my rear view mirror and see this car coming up on me fast and I have my car floored...As the car p***es me I look over and it's A lill old lady that can barely see over the steering wheel ..... pure embarr***ment ! NOT going to happen again 350/700r4 going in this week !
I'm at the same cross-roads with my 50' hardtop and I like the "6"sound so I am going late 250. I have a couple of excellent 235's( one new 55' short block) but the ablity to use the later transmissions is what made me decide to use a 250.
The sixes are very cool, very cool.. but .. the sbc in a daily type car can't be beat, cost, reliablitiy, power. I have both a sbc in a 51 chevy and I'm putting a 235 in another 51. One will be a daily type the other for fun on the weekends, wanna guess which is which? The inlines cost more than a sbc to get going fast, and parts aren't as readily available (Think starters, generators, coils etc) as a sbc. If you have your heart set on a inline do it, if your on a budget and don't want a lot of fuss do a sbc, or be like me, buy another car for both
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