My 2 cents...
I think that block is a replacement. The numbers stamped on the pad were done singly with a different font than factory stamps. The 6 & 9 are the same stamp and the 3 is flat top. It appears to be a 235 with an 848 head (1956-1962) and a late valve cover with the oil fill in the center (1960-62.)
As far as the manifold goes, 52Carl was at my shop horsetrading and noticed an old 216 on blocks had a 235 intake/exhaust on it. In all these years I had never paid any attention to it.. Casting # indicated a 54/55 intake for a 235. I intend on removing it just to see what old Ash Beville did to make it fit and not leak for 30 years.
