VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 1953 Bel Air,,, Idlearm

One questions:

can the idelarm on the 53 be adjusted or does the whole unit need to be taken out when extreme play has occured ??

One opinion:
should I go ahead and rebuild the original 235 with hydro lifters and hydro auto tranny, which will probably run 2-3 grand,, or just go ahead and change it out to a 350 with a clip ????

Welcome billyc!!

You are on the best Chevy club avail. You will get all your questions answered. Better yet, consider joining and you will get all the benefits allowed to members including the great Generator and Distributor mag included in your membership.

Now, to your questions. The idler arm can either be rebuilt or you can order replacement if yours is presently worn out.

On the eng and tranny question. It is your car and you do what you want with it. I feel that if you leave it stock, the resale value will be greater. I don't think that you will be able to rebuild eng and tranny for the 2 to 4 grand mentioned unless its a minor rebuild on both. If they need redone from bottom up, feel that you will need to double the cost unless you can do your own labour. It's soooo much easier to redo and leave stock than to install 350 and front clip. You didn't mention if the 350 and auto will also need rebuilding. Than you have to consider the cost of changing closed drive train to an open unit. Than the steering needs changing etc. etc. etc. The 53 is a nice car and my only advice is to leave it stock. That car will cruise nicely with stock 235 and auto. Just my 2 cents worth here and the best to you which ever way you decide to go.

Jim.

Jim, thanks for the feedback,,,,

I am going to pull the engine and have it rebuilt.. I have papers on the tranny that indicates it was rebuilt four years ago,, will do some mail seal inspection when the engine is pulled.. Once I get the engine out it will be easier to work on the idle are and maybe,,,,order a front end suspension kit to replace all the old bushings.. I hear the new silicone bushings make a squealing noise unless you keep them lubricated,, know anything about that ??? My son rebuilt his front end on his 63 SS Impala,,

I was not sure about keeping it stock because I have three adult sons that want me to change it over to the 350,,, but like you said,, once you go, go all the way,, front clip, disk brakes, rear end, new hydro lines etc.....as long as it is not their money, they have plenty of suggestions for Pops

Two more things:

After the rebuild ,, which I will help on,,, I was thinking about slapping a Offenhauser Dual Intake and exhaust for a little more HP,,, can anyone give me their take on the dual system ?? I have had old school cars since 1965 and never installed one...

Any evaluations out there ??

and I am about to fill out the membership application,,,thanks again