A 216 with the right connecting rod clearance should have no problems at any reasonable highway speed, reliability-wise. Problems arise when the rods get a little loose and start pounding away at the Babbit lining of the connecting rods. It's pretty simple to convert the engine to insert-type rod bearings for a Perkins Diesel engine, or with some creative machining, a 235 crankshaft and rods can be fitted. I see no reason to trash a basically good engine simply because most people have forgotten (or never knew) how to keep them running right. Those spray-oiler 216 and 235 engines by the hundreds of thousands helped us win WW II- - - - -how bad can they really be?
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!