This thread is a little over two years old. I've actually moved on from the idea of using a stock stroke 235 crankshaft in a 216 block, although that approach would still be possible. By doing some machining on the main bearing webs of the 216 block to narrow the thrust bearing area, later model 235 main bearings and a full pressure 235 crankshaft can be used, and the crankshaft stroke can be increased to 4 5/16"- - - -a stroke gain of 3/8". Combined with aluminum pistons for a Buick engine and Nissan 4 cylinder connecting rods, the displacement will increase to 258 cubic inches and there will be a big increase in compression ratio. All these modifications will be incorporated into an engine that looks exactly like a 216 from the outside. Similar bore and stroke changes to a 235 will yield 270 cubic inches, and boring and stroking a 261 will make it a 300. I'm in the process of finalizing the rotating assembly for a 258 cubic inch "216" that will include several other, very radical internal modifications. Some health concerns with a couple of close family members have slowed me down somewhat, but I'm making steady progress.
Jerry
