With respect to all with whom I am about to disagree - 3 carbs on a stock engine is NOT overkill, DEPENDING ON THE CARBURETORS USED!
When in Japan on an all-expense paid "vacation" courtesy of everyone's favorite uncle, I owned a 37 cubic inch 4-cylinder that came from the factory with 4 carburetors.
The trick with any carburetion system is to do one's homework, and pick a carburetor or carburetors with the correct airflow for the engine.
Three Holley dominators on a 235 is overkill. :p Three Carter 750 CFM comp series AFB's on a 235 is overkill. :p 3 Carter YH tag number 2066s on a 235 is NOT overkill (Chevrolet did it on the 1953, 1954 Corvette).
There are other units that may be used.
The cylinder head and manifold runner configuration is more important than the number of carburetors.
And obviously, as Stuart mentioned, physical clearance is somewhat important also.
Jon.
