216 crank turning

[mytruck1949]

Gang
49 Chevy 3600 original 216. Pulled it out of a field and couple years back and the motor was free and didn't take long to get it running. So I took it for its first 25 mile long drive last week. All previous drives were 2 miles or less. On the way back I got 2 miles from home the motor started to give off some ticking and clacking. I pulled it over and called a buddy to come tow me home.

So Friday night I pulled the pan due to oil pressure got really low and to my surprise I found all kinds of bearing flakes. I then pulled a main cap and it is good but I pulled the first 2 rod caps and there latterly isn't any bearing left. I also can physically wiggle the other piston rods on the crank.

So at a crossroads.

What is the max bearing for rods that guys have used. I am guessing that I would have to have the rod journals turned .20. Can we even get bearing that thick?

At the point that I have to pull the 216, Is it even worth the rebuild? I have the impression from comments that it is pricey to rebuild a 216. I see tons of comments about upgrades to a 235. What other motors can interchange. I saw a 261 would also bolt right up to the 3speed.

It is no show truck but a rat rod that I like to drive around. I am looking for options and opinions.