It is my understanding that the term "spash-oil" lubrication system originally referred to a even more rudimentary lubrication system than the dipper-fed and pressure-fed stream of oil that lubricates the rod bearings in 216 and early 235 engines.
People still use the term "splash oil" in the same way they use the term "steam holes" in a 261 block/head (I hope there is no steam - Jim Carter
coined this term, I think).
Here is a true "splash oil" system/engine. Here is a description for an early 216 engine. Oil spray for some parts is stilled referred-to. However, this was really not a splash oil engine.
Extra "water holes" is the term Chevrolet used for the extra coolant passages between the "siamezed" cylinders in 261 engines.
I do not think that GM/Chevrolet used either of the above terms (splash oil or steam holes) for any of these fine stovebolt engines.
There is no question that the later higher-pressure 235s (and all 261s) have better lubrication systems than the lower pressure 216s and lower pressure 235s.
