About a year ago, I took the 1954 235 block from my Hydra-Matic pickup to a local engine re-builder. He had one older fellow in the shop who supposedly knew 216s/235s/261s. I asked them to rebuild the engine with these modifications:

1. 1954 Corvette cam (a 261 cam) that I provided

2. Higher compression "848" head - I forget the year (that I provided)

3. The 50-52 Powerglide 235 intake valves (that I provided - 1.94" dia. GM #3835519)

4. Small-block exhaust valves, as spec'd below (I think)
Exhaust Valve
Head Diameter: 1.6
Stem Diameter: 11/32
Overall Length: 5.01
Tip Length: 0.25

Everything "magnafluxed" OK.

They did not finish the rebuilt engine until late July 2014. For a variety of reasons, we were not able to break it in until tonight. After dealing with fuel-line leaks and carburetor adjustments, the engine kicked over (6v system) and ran smoothly through the 20 minute break-in (at 2,000 rpm). I think the re-builder adjusted the valves too tight, but the engine rain smoothly and quietly.

I am a happy stovebolter.

By the way, this tachometer from HF worked like a charm (reflective tape was placed on the harmonic balancer). The engine is on a "naked" rolling chassis. With sheet metal in place, locating the tachometer sensor/meter would be problematic.

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.