I've been building engines for 65+ years, anything from completely stock to highly modified round track engines. A 235 is a good beginning for your proposed project, especially if you can locate a 1954 or early 55 engine which has the same water pump position as the 216. Later engines can also be used by relocating the water pump to align with the radiator on the early truck. Our resident stovebolter "Pre-68 Dave" makes and sells that kit, which uses the 216 water pump on the later engines. Dual exhausts and/or carburetors are sort of "eye candy"- - - -nice to look at, but they do little, if anything to actually improve performance.
It's also possible to modify a 216 with a 235 rotating assembly to get a pressure-lubricated crankshaft and up to 250+ cubic inches, without altering the outward appearance of the engine. That requires some pretty creative metal butchery which the average shade tree tinkerer might not have the facilities to accomplish. Drop me a PM and we can discuss some of the options you might have available to you. Good luck with your project!
Jerry
