Engine decisions

I pulled the engine out of my truck a while ago.  I put it in the corner and decided I would take it apart when I felt like putting some money into engine work.  It's a replacement '54 235 Chevrolet inline 6 that came with the truck when I bought it.

I pulled the head off last week, removed a few pistons to check the bores, and took a look around.

I would guess from the bore size it has been rebuilt three times before.

Here's what I found:

-pistons need bored for .080 over sized pistons which do exist
-rocker shaft and arms need rebuilt
-cam shaft looks like it needs resurfaced too  (I left it in. This is a casual observation)
-many coolant passages are blocked partially or completely
-new valves needed

I don't know about the crankshaft yet.  I left it in for the time being and didn't take any measurements.


My dilemna:

I'm contemplating finding a 216 motor which would be more original appropriate for this truck.  Ideally I would get one from a '46 truck that had a V8 or 235 swap for the appropriate numbers to be stamped on the block and configuration.   The pressure oiled 235 vs splasher 216 is a debate probably as old as the introduction of the full pressure oiled inline six engines('54), but it's a decision I have to make too.

I plan on swapping out my rear differential ring and pinion gears which will help reduce engine revs, but I've seen some online forum posters claim this isn't enough to help out the old 216 engine at higher road speeds.  I just ordered a reprint vintage speed book for older Chevy inline 6 engines, and plan on using it to help make my decision.  If it's not helpful, I hope it's at least interesting reading.

I understand that a 216 rebuild may cost more due to babbitt bearings, but there's always the warm and fuzzy feeling it will give me when it's done and truck era appropriate.  I also don't feel like throwing as much money into the 235 as it will need either.

Babbitt bearings:
Babbitt bearings are a kind of bearing that is poured in place and then machined to size.  Chevy phased  them out in the fifties, Ford did this earlier from what I understand.  The switch was made to insert bearings, which are more easily replaced.

This is an oversimplification and I might be wrong about my timeline.  There are many resources available explaining more about this and history to satisfy your curiosity.

Engine in stand

Piston Bore

Green arrows point out some rusty coolant passages