Hi Larry . . .
Well it is somewhat true - but not without some major caveats. It's no bolt in.
The '55 and later 235 crank is dimensionally similar but not identical to those found in the earlier stovebolt sixes. The 216 and earlier 235's (thru '54) have a much wider thrust bearing. So either the block would have to be machined to take the narrower thrust bearing or the crank would have to be machined to thrust against a the wider thrust bearing (and then re-balanced). I don't know of any machinist's that have ever tried such operations - I have just seen posts over the years speculating about the 'possibilities'.
Given the dollars involved you'd be better off looking for '53 or '54 crank that is already rifle drilled from the factory. If found you can expect to pay big bucks if bidding against the corvette crowd. Or you could try having a 216 or 235 High-Torque crank rifle drilled. But again finding someone with this experience in 2017 may be a challenge. Experience is necessary because the drilling has to stay as far from the main bearing oil entry holes as possible.
Personally, I have stroked my 216 with a '52 Power Glide crank, switched the Rods to insert bearings but retained the jet oiling. I am just not going to rev the engine to the point that full pressure to the rods is necessary. If you do stroke the stock deck height of 216 pistons would leave the top of the piston proud by 3/32. The guys at Ross Pistons can do a custom set that will zero deck to your block.
regards,
stock49
