Without dissing the older Stovebolts (235 and earlier), the last generation of Chevy sixes (1963 - 198 ? ) were the best...
That seven-main crank made for a very stout bottom-end...
That combined with the shorter stroke made for a seemingly indestructible six !
I love the 216 and 235, but I have newfound respect for the "new" sixes after my experiences with my '72 250...
I had a '64 C-10 short-bed step about 15 years ago that had a 230...replaced a few bad lifters, and that was about it...great runner...