I need some tips on a mild 235 build for my 56 210. This is a powerglide car and I'm leaving the rear end gears alone, 3.55's. I run 225/75/15 which are about 28" tall.
What I am interested in is this collective's opinion on what things to improve on an otherwise stock 235 for more performance and reliability.
This car is a sunny weather cruiser and I'm interested in any thoughts. I like the vintage speed parts look and am considering the following setup.
1. Dual carbs
2. Fentons and Smitty's
3. Heated intake - I live in Houston - how important will this be?
4. Electronic ignition
I will keep the manual brakes and steering. I do not plan on adding A/C. I like the 'glide and gearing it has now.
My guess is, based upon my research, that half a point more compression and a short duration cam barely hotter than stock is what I want for this combo.
However, which cam is best and how much compression is enough? What pistons should I use?
I don't plan on a bunch of head work other than some mild pocket porting and cleaning up of the exhaust ports.
I don't want a Bonneville car or Top Sportman contender, just something vintage looking and a bit more interesting than stock.
I've located a decent core so as not to trash my original running motor. The tranny is fresh from a rebuild. The front end was just completely rebuilt and I've got Praise Dyno Brake's entire setup including shoes, wheel cylinders and trick kit on all four corners. I also added KYB's all the way around too. Basically, I took care of all the things that make the car safe and driveable. Now I want to have some fun.
Get as technical as you want. The more detailed the better. Thanks in advance for all your help.
Everyone else tells me to junk the six and stick small block in it, but I'm not interested in the easy way out.
This will be my first engine build. After 30 years of reading just about everything I can get my hands on about engines I'm finally going to out the magazines and books down and pick up wrenchs.
