Like Carl said, the 53 PG engine is a good one for all the reasons he explained, the later 848 is the best head for making compression. All really good picks for a replacement engine. If the valve train is quiet with those hydraulic lifters, I wouldn't mess with it. Appears your valve cover is original and 54 valve covers were a one year only and getting hard to find. Many dont like them because it sucks unfiltered air into the crankcase. Some silicone the vent slats closed from the inside and run a open filtered oil cap, a good worthwhile modification.. This will keep the dust and dirt out of the engine.
The 53 PG engine was the only 235 to have the captains bar above the starter, it will not have a set of bars on the other side of the engine like the big brother 261s had.
Last edited by sstock; 08/30/2019 1:32 AM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done
In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
