I am using that Airtex pump, but the first one I bought was DOA.

Someone posted the Carter number - M2118
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crt-m2118/overview/make/chevrolet
It is readily available from many vendors.

I'll use that in the future.

The orientation of inlet/outlet changed over the years.

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.