I'm helping someone install a '60 235 into a 51 Chevy. The motor came out of a running, daily-driven '60 wagon about 3 years ago and has sat in my garage on an engine stand ever since. It has a tag suggesting that it was rebuilt. This motor has to be dead-on reliable and be ready to make a long drive right away (March).
I have a new oil pump and fuel pump. The water pump is good, but I'll replace it, too. I'll replace the valve and side cover gaskets and rear seal. What else should I do??
Should I change the head gasket? Most v8 friend responses have been 'yes' so far.
If I change the head gasket, should I reuse the old head bolts?? Again, conflicting responses, but I checked NAPA, RockAuto, AutoZone, Patricks, and Langdon's and no one lists 235 head bolts. I had my parts guy do a search and he checked Fel Pro, ARP, Clevite, Federal Mogul, and Melling. Nada. He also asked around... nobody knows...
I know that one of the head bolts is "special" so just matching bolts seems like a bad idea.
Thoughts??
BTW, the engine will have a split exhaust, 2x1 intake with fresh Rochester B carbs, and a manual 3 speed trans
