235 split fender well headers

I have the unknown want to build a set of these with a 2x1 intake for my 58 Chevy truck my question is can I run two regular b series carbs set up on a 1:1 linkage and have any HP gains? And when I build my headers how big should my primaries be along with collector sizes? This will be ran as a weekend fun car not a dd and the motor is otherwise stock backed by a four speed and stock rear end with 3.70 gears

 

I'm also looking at getting the 3/4 mild race cam from patricks grind 254 is any one else running this cam how do you like it

 

Since your engine is basically stock, 1-1/2" would probably be the max you would want to use for the primary tube, the problem is the siamese intake ports are bigger than that so you'll have to swedge that primary down to get it to that size. For the collectors, 2-1/2" is probably plenty large enough.

 

If its your first time 235 build, listen to what Patrick or Danese says and take their recommendations: do the Fenton headers, 254 cam and dual intake with heat. You will be safe and it will run great.

I am doing a 261 and am using that cam

 

Ecactly Scott, but if he doesnt have much experience, that might be a problem. I have found the correct answer is 40" on the primaries, but those are a bitch to get done on your own. Fentons might be the easiest the first time around.....

 

Your right Tom, I didn't want to thwart his ambition, but if he isn't that skillful then the Fenton headers are always a great solution for these engines.

 

Any dual set-up will afford better fuel distribution, but the general consensus is that the 235 carbs are too big to be used in pairs on a 235, and that smaller, 216 carbs work much better for dual set-ups (with Carters and Strombergs being preferred to Rochesters.) The problem is, they also have a smaller bolt spacing (2 11/16", compared to 2 15'16").

The best solution is to have a welder fill the stud holes of a 235 manifold, and re-drill to 216 bolt spacing. But many people simply slot the mounting holes on the carb base. (This will work without problems.)

Vintage manifolds designed for 216's (smaller port size) will work on a 235, using stepped adapter port rings. But they are increasingly harder to find. These would include Thickstun, Tattersfield, and many Edmunds, as well as others. Both McGurk 216 and 235 manifolds have the 216 bolt spacing. When buying a vintage manifold, check the bolt spacing.

If you're not concerned with keeping it vintage, Langdon's recommends (sells) two stage "Carter Webers" and adapters for mounting to the 235 manifold. These have small primary venturis, and reportedly work very well.

You might find the following link helpful:
http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/Dual1barrelcarbs.htm

 

This looks like a good cam, with 10 Deg. more duration than even the popular "Corvette" (or 261) cam, as well as more lift.

I have a vintage McGurk cam in a 216. This (as well as some early Isky grinds) is a "Dual Pattern" cam, with considerably more duration on Exhaust than Intake. This gives some more "Git", without destroying the bottom end. I like it a lot. The nearest thing I have found is Langdon's "Bulldog" cam, which has 254 Deg's of intake duration, and 264 Deg's of exhaust. I have another 216 cam re-ground to these specs, but have yet to run it. I am using single valve springs from a 455 Buick.

I agree with what's been said about the Fentons. With Siamesed ports, complex intake mounting, and manifold heat considerations, this would be the last motor I'd want to make headers for.

 

Yes, between setting up his 235 intakes for 216 size carbs and his experimentation with dual pattern camshafts, Frank McGurk knew what he was doing with Chevy sixes. On a street 235, bigger is definitely not better.

 

I'm using the Carter Weber carbs recommended/sold by Tom Langdon (www.stoveboltengineco.com) on the 230 flat 6 in my '46 Ply. These carbs work great. The engine has a hotter cam, Sharp head, Edmunds intake (water heated), and Langdon headers (copies of the Fenton cast iron headers). I had Earl Edgerton (Edgy Cams) grind the cam.

 

I had talked to Patrick and he told me this was the cam to run and he did mention the Fenton's and the offy intake and I may go with that intake and I just want it to be unique around here but run d@mned good for a six compared to my buddies ford ranch truck and the fender wells would def be unique to look at but performance and ease of build may be a dif deal and all I hear here in my area is y do it to that just put a v8 in it so I'm kinda determined but you guys think Fenton's are the better route?

 

Well, if fabbing a set of fenderwell headers in within your abilities, I would probably be tempted to as well if I were you, but the Fentons are a good all around solution and perform well even on a real hot Stovebolt.