Hi All
Just went into the Master Parts Book Chevrolet, Maple Leaf and GMC Truck Parts Catalogue 1938-1951.
Grant you are correct the early 216 and 235 share the same valve side cover along with many other parts. From the parts book it looks like the change in side cover came some time in 1950. Dave I also remember one site which had the statement about the side cover, but I think the differentiation they meant to make was between the early splash lubricated 235 and the the later pressure lube crank.
So the full valve side cover vs the short cover is not a definitive identifier.
As to the military 235 engine I just installed a NOS 235 head 1942 date on 216 engine
http://canadianmilitarypattern.com/H...May%20Work.htm
The casting numbers seem to be the best way of telling which is which.
Here are a couple of good websites:
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/models/engine.htm
http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/...tory/cast.html
http://aera.org/techtools.aspx
I'm working on an update to my web page with a list of current good Stovebolt Six web information site
Cheers Phil