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I have finally decided to upgrade to power steering on my 53 3100 Bolt. While doing that, I thought I would splurge and get a new engine (maybe even crate) to replace the 235. Has anyone done such a rash thing before and had great success? If so, what kind of new engine would be the best? I am not up for running around to find a used upgrade, though. It would be great if someone who has been there, could point me in the right direction or tell me to take a cold shower!

350 Small Block?

well shmoo, that seems to be the choice of most mainly due to availability and cost. So many things will work!

I put a 350 in my 37 pickup and now I'm putting a 305 re-man engine in my 52 Panel. Why a 305? Well, you could say it is very very very low mileage and the "price was right".
If you will look in my photobucket below you will see what I have done.
This subject is beat to death here Many Many times and there is differing opinions. I think it boils down to what you have or can get, and how much $$ you want to spend and have a nice ride.

Plan on doing something with the steering and that alone has many variations. I'm actually putting my power steering box on tomorrow. I have switched the shock and ready to bolt it on..... and of coarse maybe a different steering column, I'm using a 68 because "the price was right" and it gives me turn signals and leaves the key in the dash like original. Some use tilts!

Also the header issue is beat to death to. Block huggers will work, and so will the 283 ram horns. The block huggers turn in to close to the engine to suit me. I have a set of 283 ram horns that again, "the price was right". On the other hand you can buy a set of corvette style 283 headers but they are about $55 each plus shipping. There are other junk yard "cures" but I do not KNOW which ones they are. I'm talking above because I have both and have tried them. The 283 sits nice, not to close to the engine, and Points pretty much straight down with plenty of room.

I could go on and on but I'm sure others will chime in. Keep us posted and take plenty of pics.

Oh, I might add that I love the mounts I used vs the crossmember!

Edit: most will say you have to put a smaller distributor, (HEI with external coil), because the big one will hit the firewall. I am sure this is true on some/most models but my panel body sat back down on the chassis. It's a little tight but the old big dist. worked and has enough room to get to the wires and get the cap off. Maybe I'm lucky.

My 350 crate with 330 horse came ready to run with air cond. compressor, Holly 600, HEI dist, power steer pump and serpentine belt setup. Cost, a little over 4 grand. And the big HEI was not a problem.

As long as you have the money to keep throwing at it, who cares?