So far, after listening to what you want to do with it,
I think you should leave it stock or just swap the rear axle for one with slightly faster gears.

The whole corvette thing has me worried, and I see no point.
Leaving the 235 means you don't expect it to do much, speed or work, so just leave it as is and drive it.

If you really don't plan to haul anything then faster gears in the rear would make it more drivable, but you can't go too extreme, as you only have a 235....

Grigg


1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-