It actually is bigger externally. And the 228 is bigger internally than the 216 that was in a '53 Chevy.
Its common to replace the smaller 228/248 with a 270 or 302 which can look exactly like a 228 if done with the early parts.
My '55 1st was factory with a 248 but has a 270 in it today. My '54 appears to still have its original 248 under the hood. I also have a '53 big truck that has a 248. The larger motors are not real hard to find.
