I agree that the I6 layout leads to a very tidy and clean engine bay. You can actually see the motor.
Your story leads back to why I am so pro-DIY. How do you think 'California Bill' learned all those tricks? By doing it himself or buying a 'crate' motor? Nothing about a 235 (today) is so rare or expensive that you should not dive in and get it done yourself. We have the luxury to stand on the shoulders of the real 235 geniuses from the 50's when we work on the motors we have now.
I'm really don't care if you use an I6 or a V-6/8.. but if you say you ordered it out of a catalog you lose major 'motorhead' points. A 6 year old girl can order from a catalog. A smart 6 year old girl can build it herself. One is worth talking to, the other not so much.
