non-pressure 235 worth messing with?

Hey guys, I"m still planning some stuff out for my '53 and i'm trying to decide on it's motorvation.
If I stick with the 235, is it feasabile to expect decent longevity and performance from this non-pressurized oil system having chunk o' iron?
If not, what are some other nifty options out there for a swap?

 

If your 53 doesn't have a pressure sysem, its a 216. 53 powergluides were 235s and had a pressure system.

 

All '53 motors were 235's.The powerglide engine was a full pressure oiler and the manual engine was the old low pressure dipper style engine but still a 235....It all depends on how much you want to spend,what kind of performance you want out of the car and how much effort your willing to put into it.If you just want a car to cruise around in and spend the least amount of money and effort...Just rebuild the stocker...They are super easy and cheap to build..Other options would be a hopped up later Inliner or Small block swap...Both are relatively easy to do if you have the cash,time and abilities...

 

I think your name says what'll happen with the non-pressure version Especially if you romp on it.

Travis

 

i hate those*****ing things i wasted a whole bunch of time helping my friend with his,anything with dippers ain't worth it.good full pressure 235's are easy to find,if your dipper engine still runs just go with it til it kicks a rod out the side of the block,then drop in a fresh later 235.

 

they are good to what....50 mph? I had one of those babbit pounders in a 48 fleetline once...ran great, got gas mileage like crazy, but...I didnt DARE take it above 55 or so...something just not right about depending on lil dippers on the side of connecting rods to oil the bottom end, you start turnin some rpms and the oil is gonna cavitate and NOT oil the rod bearings and all hell is gonna break loose...

if you can find a good 235 from a 54-63 (I think...may be 62) it should bolt in place of the original, I know there was a water pump swap involved on the OLDER chevys when doing this, but I think the 53 is ok...does it have the cast iron carter W-1 or the Rochester BC carb?

another choice would be the hard to find (at least in my efforts) a 261 (yeah, 261, not a typo for 216), they will take the same goodies as the 235...

If you decide to keep it an inline, they still make all kinda kool stuff for the 235/261, offy intakes for dual or tri-power, split manifold or duals, hi-perf cams...

got some pics of this car? I like the old inline powered chevys....