chip: Your 60 235 block has side mount bosses cast into the block. They are a different pattern and at a different location than on 53/54 blocks. The 60 235 block main caps use locking lip inserts and your 54 block uses dowel inserts.
If all is well with your block, you can use the 60 #1 cap. Just have the machinist install the dowel. The insert OD dimension, thickness at insert crown and width are the same on either the dowel or locking lip inserts. No difference at all, just how the insert locks in the cap. The caps are identical in cap bolt center to center distance and cap width/length.
If the shop finds other troubles with your 54 block, dependent upon what kind of problems they might be, you may want to take another course.
I don't think at this point your worring about having a "period correct" matching number engine in your 54. If you are, then you will have to deal with the block you have or find another 53/54 matching block. If not then you are going to have to deal with this motor mount detail.
The 53/54 car frames have those suspension towers right next to the sides of the block. I do not know what the bolt pattern on the 53/54 motor mounts/blocks are. I think that the 3 hole pattern cast on later blocks is different dimensions and location. You'll have to check.
If I were you, I would check your 60 block measurements against your 54 car just to be sure. See how far off they might be, and if possible new motor mounts made to make/adapt to fit the 54 car frame. Once you get the dimensions off your original 54 block, your 60 block, and your car frame, then you could call Alan and have him measure and compare. His truck block is listed as a different block casting number than the car block, as so, it may/may not have the mounts. Then you would know if it'll work or not, and what your next step will have to be.
You can always ask your "new" machinist, as he may have another 235 out in his boneyard with a cap just for you. Work with him, and he'll work with you. If you have any questions ASK HIM!! And do not hesitate. The more he knows about what you want and need on your engine, the better he can help you. Good Luck, and keep asking questions, both there, and here!
Think Chevy!!
:rolleyes:
:p
