How's the surface of the crankshaft? If it's still round, a rod can be installed from the bottom side on some engines. Just disconnect the big end, roll the crank off to the side, and pull the piston down in the cylinder far enough to loosen the clamp bolt and slide the wrist pin out. I've seen guys change an entire set of babbit rods that way, or you could have the original-style rods machined for inserts after they're removed. If the crank is scored or out of round, do the full rebuild. This works on a 216- - - -the 235 has a big enough piston it's impossible to pull them down far enough to expose the wrist pin.
Jerry



Last edited by Hotrod Lincoln; 10/11/2010 11:32 AM.
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!