Finally got around to dropping the oil pan and peeping around the bottom end, it was surprisingly clean considering the mileage on it. The original speedo show 99K and I've put on another 6k since I got it running.
There was alittle crud in the deepest oil pan chamber but otherwise it was pretty clean also.
My oil pressure has dropped along w/the outside temps so I decided to plasti-gauge the mains to see if the clearance was getting to big. They were all .002 to .003 and it's a good thing because there were no shims on them. Rods were at the highend of the specs and there were no shims on them either. Looks like someone has been in there and adjusted it previously. Might explain why it was as clean as it was.
Hindsite being 20/20 I now wish I had ordered that oil pump rebuild kit and replaced those gears and relief valve & spring while I was in there. Pulling the pan one ones back w/engine in the truck was no picnic but I may revisit that oil pump later.

My warm temp oil pressure is now only about 11-12 psi and I'll estimate idle is at 6 or 7 psi. I just put in new 15w40 and I'm probably going to try 20w50 on the next change to see what I get.

Looks like I'll be on the hunt for a buildable 235 or 261.
Dave

1949 Chevy 1/2-Ton 3100
1949 GMC 1/2-ton 100
In the Stovebolt Gallery
More pix on Photobucket
Video of the 216 running
Video of a Winter Cruise