Update:
Pulled the bottom end off of the 56 235 over the weekend. Main and rod bearings look fine, bottom of the pistons look fine and very clean. The oil screen on the pump was also very clean. Pulled the cam. The lobes are still pointy, but the ramps? leading up to the tips are very worn and pitted, cam bearings look great. So I think I will go shopping for a 261 cam. My 47-53 shop manual mentions oil plugs at the front and back of the block, I don't see anything like that. Are the later blocks different? The same manual also has you trying several thickness gaskets under the front cover, Is this the same on the later blocks?
I've never removed freeze plugs before. Do I try to knock them sideways with a punch or knock a hole in the and pry them out? Do I remember someone saying brass freeze plugs?
Dropped the head off at the machine shop. Any other suggestions?
