Don't forget the SBC oil pump HRM's been adapting to the 216/235/261 engines too....
I don't know how "nation wide" I is but I would have preferred to run an updated 216 than any other powerplant in my old 49, if just for the cool nostalgia feels..... Those tall side covers and sewing machine ticking are just too cool, LOL...
FYI Bill, the windbroke 216 that was in my 49 with 3 on the tree and 4:11 gears was most confortable at 40-45 and would run there all day long (for as long as the oil lasted), would do 55 for long stretches and could hit 65 for the rare pass. A freshened up 216 with good tight bearings and seals would have no problem running all day at 55-60, with a bed full of whatever too.
