Rich, yes it certainly be a slower project and it has to be saved.
David, it was a bit of a no brainer really. I haven't lost the Meadows, it's just on the shelf and the tanks will not be held up from running. Just the thought of breaking
something in the engine from being in a hurry is scary
Having the 216 will have no impact on the visual aspect of the tanks and probably not too much difference in the sound. (not that I have ever heard a Meadows).
I was very pleasantly surprised at the similarities of both engines in height and in length so I would assume that the stroke would be very similar as well. I will probably have to modify the sump on the 216 as I'm pretty sure it will be too deep so I will make a square (ish) type one to make sure I still get the volume of oil needed. Very similar to the Meadows sump.