Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Getting more horsepower from my 235

I just recently bought, well 8 months ago, a 1954 chevy 210. It is basically all original except for the paint and interior. I was wondering what I might be able to do to get more horsepower out of the engine. This is my first car that I have actually done some mechanic work on it. So I am learning...ever so slowly. Would it be that hard (well costly) to try to get 200-250 horsepower out of it. And since I don't have alot of disposible money to play around with, is there anything less expensive I could do?

Dear Matty;

To get 250Hp out of that 'style' engine requires major modifications etc.

As a novice, you could do this.

Buy a used head & have it reworked. Install it with a 2 carb manifold, headers and a 12V upgrade as well.

All of that will give you about 150Hp for around a $1,000+/-.

Good luck.

Link to 1955 HRM article on the chevy six

This link describes Frank McGurk's work on a 261. Most of the information also applies to a 1954 235. All other things being the same, a 235 will put out about 10 percent less torque or power than a 261.

Hoyt, II #922

Mr Hoyt is correct. However the 261 can be built to 278/292 CID where the 235 can not.

As a beginner stick with the cylinder head R&R for now.

By the time you 'chase down' all the parts, pay for them and get it ready; You'll have done more than most "in your shoes".

This is the "cheapest & fastst" to get the most for the least.

While you are doing all of this, you can drive your car as well.

"Hit it Tiger"

Hoyt,
Thanks for the article link you posted, that is an EXCELLENT article on a 261 buildup step-by-step. I am "matching" it with my computer engine program, kinda guessing at the .050 lift cam durations.

For so many years ago, the article did just the right process step-by-step, great article.

It looked like the triple-1v worked a lot better than the dual-1v, or is that intake just harder to find?

Forgive me for the intrusion... but where the heck would one find a dual or triple mainifold for one of these engines? I might be acquiring a truck shortly, and a dual carb intake manifold would be a neat thing to add to boost the "gee-whizz" factor a bit.

And I quote from the article: "The price of the (3 carb) manifold is $43 and includes the necessary throttle linkage."

How times have changed... :rolleyes:

Thanks!! :p

If your budget is tight stick to the 235, search the parts for sale ads for a four barrel intake. THe four barrel along with a split manifold or tube headers alone will make that motor come alive. Also you could get a more road worthy set of rear end gears and possibly a saginaw 4 speed. Down the road as the budget allows, you can search for a deal on the 261 or step up to a 292ci. Best move now is to JOIN Inliners Int. for the best bunch of car people around and tons of expert advise.

hey gearhead,,,,you can get them on e bay all the time..just type 235 chevy in the search box.. gonna pay around $300 now days.

Langdon Stovebolt sells them new at $235.00 . Cheers!!!