"I will be sure to ask the machine shop a ton of questions before I let do any work if needed"
I honestly , and in no way mean to be argumentative, but if all you really need is a "cleaned up" and double-checked engine why go to a machine shop?
I have not been to a machine shop that knows those 216's better than many of these folks on this site!
My experience is that today's machine shops can be great places to get engine work done on a motor, and not so great places to ask specific questions about your old antique 216 motor. It's not any of their fault cause it's hard for them to know all the little details. I prefer to know all the numbers and details first, then let them tell me about how they will do the work.
