[Mike K]

"so now I am putting one together using the clearing sale block, but all the parts from the recon engine"

That sounds like a good plan , the slipper bearings are so much easier to deal with. The 216 was a common engine in its day, it went through a few upgrades from 1937 to the early 1950s, so be aware that there are some parts that don't fit all of the years i.e. different heads for the domed or flat top pistons is one, and different valve lengths. ON EPAY there are many NOS 216 parts still available but the shipping cost is so high at the moment. Just next door here there was a 1950 Chevy ute wreck, I should have salvaged the engine from it, might still be there.

I will have a look at the Pistons I have and see how many there are, you can also try the big USA suppliers like Jim Carter and Chevs of the 40's but they may not sell just one piston out of a set. With my C8, it is standard bore and I just re-used the original cast iron pistons and fitted chrome faced rings. It now has a loose wrist pin that knocks , I plan on pulling it apart, I have a new Aluminium timing gear and new valve guides and a set of Aluminium pistons