Gdads--thanks for the feedback. It is a little difficult to make firm plans and commit to $$ outlay without the truck on hand--hope to get it this week. I really do not want to swap engines if not necessary. If this trans is too odd to adapt to the 235, I have a Ford T170 on hand, and if that is too challenging I can do a T5. As I discovered when I had a T5 behind a 350 (
https://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/reay_russell_1957.html) the gear ratios are too important to be left to chance, so I prefer a 4speed OD. I just saw a Youtube video showing a 53 Chevy engine receiving a T5, and noted the bell/ rear motor mount is different from that shown in the shop manual.
