I'm a big fan of the 216, though it is based more on romance than performance, expense, practicality. I just love the way they sound. I purchased a 50 that had a full pressure 235 in it and had it completely rebuilt (for less money than what it takes to rebuild a 216) and I do enjoy the extra power, but I miss the clickity-clack valve train, the hand crank starter, and the originality. The 216 is all to often disparaged for this and that, but the bottom line is, it was the best engine of its time.
Carl

1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission