The engine:
Well it looks like the seller was misinformed when he said it had a 216 engine...best i can tell, the original engine was replaced with a 235, which is fine with me...
thanks to stovebolt & inliners website for helping me identify it..4 corner screw valve cover, 3836848 GM23 on the head indicates a 1956 235. 3769716 on the block indicates a '58 to '62 235.
It has dual exhaust, which i'm guessing is not original, but cool none the less...