All 216s and most 1941-53 235s are considered low-pressure engines. The 1953 Powerglide-equipped car came with a high pressure 235 engine.
Many people call the low-pressure 216 and 235 engines "splash oil engines" but that is an incorrect use of the term. Earlier Chevrolet splash-oil engines relied almost entirely on splash-oil lubrication.
The low-pressure 216 and 235 engines are described by Chevrolet as being lubricated by a combination of internal pressure lubrication (full pressure to main bearings and cam bearings), directed open oil-steam lubrication (rod bearings), oil dipper lubrication (rod bearings), and "oil spray from the rods" lubrication (of the cylinder walls). The cam gears receive a pressure-feed of oil, as does the rocker arm assembly.
