I have rebuilt both the 54 235 and the newer ones. I got a kick out of how chevy used older parts to put together the 54 235. They actually used the oil pump and filter from a 53 216. Some of the other parts were from leftover 216 as well. Its a great engine and runs every bit as good as the newer ones, but it IS a mismatch of parts in that year. You wont be troubled unless you order internal engine parts for a 235 engine.
The short shaft water pump the usual suppliers sell works great so that you don't have to move the radiator but you will also need the old 216 fan since it is pitched a little differently to ensure the space is conserved properly. Once I learned about the short shaft pump and 216 fan, my 261 fit just fine. Makes me wonder why more than 50% of all of the trucks I have and have seen have the radiator relocated, sheet metal all cut up to accommodate the newer 235. Grrrrrr!
