Todd,
Here is a photo of the exhaust side of a
1954 235 truck block. I do not know if the '53 Powerglide block looks the same. The holes might be labelled incorrectly (in vs out) but look at the next picture and you will see how/where the lines connect to the block and tro the filter.
Here is a copy of the
1953 Chevrolet auto oil filter installation instructions. My guess it that this is a low pressure engine.
Xram53, Thanks for the correction. It would be nice to have pictures of these distinguishing features on the various 216/235/261 engines. Another good reason to go to truck shows and taking pictures.
Tim