Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines So Cal engine builders???

Hey everyone,

I want a recommendation for an engine builder for my 235. I live in San Diego County area of California, so one near me would be good, but not required.

I've got a '57 Chevy Bel Air, which I've had for over 10 yrs. I don't know when the engine was last rebuilt or how. I do know it isn't original, the block date is '58, and is running solid lifters. When I got the car the engine was still running. I've only bolted performance parts and waited for the 6 to go south. I've been running a Clifford intake, with and Edelbrock Performer carb, Fenton cast iron header, electronic ignition.

Well she finally let go last night. I didn't have time to check her over yet to see what happened, but shortly after getting off the freeway, she started knocking a few times then died. She turns over but give no sign of trying to fire.

So now I'm wondering what direction I want to go. I love the uniqueness of the 6 and she's been rock solid for many years & miles. But I'm wondering if I want to beef her up more. Also, does anyone run a blower setup or something that will make it even more unique, but I still want it drivable.

Thank you.

You probably broke a timing gear that turns the cam. Remove the distributor cap have someone crank it over if the rotor isn't turning you now know your problem. As far as modifications the sky is the limit, only governed by your wallet.

If you can,,,,maybe install a newer inline 6 250-292???

The 235 engine is a lot heavier,has less potential than the 194-292 series engines.

I think there is valve cover adaptor that makes it so you can use the stock 235 valve cover so it sorta looks like the original 6.

Like Big Bill said,take the distributer cap off & crank the engine to see if the distributer rotor turns.

MBHD

It'd be great if you could find a 292 to put in your '57

Redneck-

In answer to your initial question:

Mike Kirby
626-331-2727

Will6er

Thank you Will6er and everyone for the info.

I'll check the distributer to see if that's where it failed too.

Keep the info coming, the more the better!

not sure where your at with your engine, but Foothill Auto Repair in Glendora (San Gabriel Valley) rebuilds the 6 cylinders. Phone # 626-914-5469 and ask for ED he's the owner.
Ruben

Well I've been without my Bel Air more then a year now. I'd like to get it running soon, so I thought I'd ask this question again and see what responses I get this year. I will call the numbers offered, but if there is anyone else that you guys recommend please throw it out there.

I don't want to change engine sizes because I've already got a Clifford intake, Fenton cast iron header, electronic distributor and aluminum valve & side covers. So I don't want (can't afford) to replace those parts on top of getting the engine. But thanks for the suggestion.

Mike Kirby
626-331-2727


MBHD

Talked with Mike K. yesterday, his shop isn't rebuilding these engines any more, he's only doing heads. I tried to contact Foothill Auto, but their phone is discontinued. I called Beck's and left message, but no call back yet. So I'm back to ground zero :-(

Since I may have to ship my engine to a rebuilder, who does a good job on the 235's in the US?

We do many inliners here in Watsonville at Chris's Precision Machine. Call us at 831-761-3344. Not that far from you. But I'm sure there are other builders in your area.

Humble Newby

Can Chris's offset grind a crank? Take a 2.1 rod pin to 2.0 and add the .100 to the stroke?

My advice would be to shop around in your area for an automotive machine shop and talk to them and their owners. Many like the "vintage" stuff and look forward to doing them.

I have always done my own assembly and purchased needed parts from reputable suppliers (Rock Auto and ebay on line). The only thing I don't do is boring, crankshaft grinding, valve jobs or alignboring.

EGGE Machine in South Gate has rebuild kits and if you find a machine shop which will dissasemble it for you and tell you what it needs it definatly is a good way to go. Rememeber all engines are just air pumps and it's not rocket science to check bearing sizes, side and thrust clearance they do it to every engine.

I have 2 shops in Orange county that do my boring if needed and typical valve jobs. Another for more trick valve work.

Marine Crankshaft in Santa Ana is the only one I'll let touch one of my cranks. Most of my bearings come right from E-Bay today.

The biggest thing is making sure you are starting with a good block and head (not cracked). One other suggestion would be to look at "marine" rebuilders since you live near the coast. Their stuff needs to work the first time and for a long time. Good Luck

We do not grind cranks. We leave that to specialists. When we did it we found that the infrequency was killing our cost effeciveness. Sorry beater....