Hey Michelle
Assuming the engine is in decent shape, it only needs two things to run: fuel and fire. One or both are not working.
Check ignition: Is there spark at plugs? If so, just get the timing close. You may have to get under truck, remove flywheel cover, and clean front of flywheel with a brush until steel ball shows. Line up steel ball on flywheel and pointer in bellhousing. This is TDC. The distributor rotor should be pointing to either #1 or #6 sparkplug wire. Firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
Timing at TDC
Rotor pointing to #1 plug wire
#6 intake valve open.
firing order correct
if its sparking, set it and leave the ignition system alone.
Then proceed to the fuel system. You cannot use a 235 intake on a 216 engine, as the intake port sizes are different. The carbs will interchange tho. Did you remember the intake rings between the intake and head when you changed intakes? Sure no intake leaks?
If everything above checks out, it may be time for a compression test. Screw the parts store tester into the sparkplug hole. Crank engine over until reading on gauge stabilizes. All cylinders should be about the same. If not, you've got a internal engine malfunction.
These engines are very simple. When they won't do anything but spin over, the problem is usually very simple.
good luck
chip
