I am going over a 54 235 car engine to put into my 49 truck. I would like to replace the o-ring valve seals with something better. One place said they sell umbrella seals. Are umbrella seals the kind that fit over the guides like newer types? Will they fit an engine that originally didn't have them? Thanks. I am also looking for a camshaft for this engine.
I only know about the standard O-ring type valve seals, but for a cam you should consider the ones used in the 261 engine. Exact same fit and gives a much better profile. Patricks is a good place for these things - he might help on the valve seals too.
Yes , you can (and should !) use the ' Umbrella typ ' valve guide oil seals . The 1954 235 engine has many different internal parts , I am not sure if the cam is the same as the later , '56 ~ '62 235 , if it is , you should certainly buy a 261 cam and some new lifters too as it'll wake up your engine a lot and still give you buttery smooooth idle and good fuel economy too . No real need for hot rod mods on your engine but a few extra dollars dropped into the engine whilst it's apart will pay huge dividends in power , economy and long life too , it's all in the archives under ' engine work ' , or head work etc.
