I'm also doing the 'mid-50s' thing with my '49 CHev Coupe.
Even though I'm going to swap the 216 for a 235, right now I'm using the 216 to set things up. I've got an Isky '3/4' grind cam, Fenton cast iron headers running through dual farm tractor mufflers!, and dual Rochester carbs. At idle it sounds like a V-thing, put some rev's on it and you know it's a six!!
I'm presently working on a 3 carb set-up; not because it will run better, but because it looks neat.
While I have plenty of high out-put V-8's in my past, my first love affair with an engine was the Stovebolt Six!!
