Hi Chris
I assume you have been researching these engines but just in case you missed this information source you'll I think find it interesting.
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/en...tification.htm
Once you find one you will be please with the performance. If you are including US versions the last year of manufacture is either 61 or 62. But you really have to look closely to figure out what is in any Chevy in the 1950 to 1962 as engine swapping is very common. I have a 235 and a 261 that both came from junkers both took full rebuilds but note that neither engine started life in the trucks I got them from.
True 261s of the later construction are easy to spot they have huge oil lines coming out of the block. Bye the way you can not run a 261 of the later style with the oil lines blocked off they are a full flow system, so no oil line they die. With the large oil line they also empty all oil out of the engine in a blink of the eye if a oil line or filter fails.
I've posted the entire engine section of the overhaul manual for the later 235-261 on on my web site
http://canadianmilitarypattern.com/1...e%20Manual.htm
The index for my web site needs to be updated as it is not showing some pages concerning the 235-261. Use the search feature at the top of the page just put in 235 or 261. One page in particular
http://www.canadianmilitarypattern.c...ifications.htm you may find interesting.
If you find a actual late model 235 truck version you might want to consider it or if the price is right grab it. They are a sweet running engine as well. My 235 which is in my 1941 C60L is a nice running truck and happens to have hydraulic lifters it is quieter than any 216 or 261 with solid lifters.
Keep us posted on your search.
Cheers Phil
PS Chris's question
"What I need is a WW2 235 but I want the extra HP and torque etc.
If I have to rebuild my 235 I might as well get a 261...
Now, for my next question; how does a 261 mount compared to a stock 235??? "
There are two different 235 engines one the WWII late 40's and early 50's version, which really are just up sized 216s. Then there is late 50's early 60's which are quite different, water pump location oil system etc.
Both the later 235 and 261 are capable of being bolt in replacements for a 216. They both require the water pump adapter to lower the water pump see
http://www.canadianmilitarypattern.c...ifications.htm. Once through that which is not too difficult you can put the bell housing and flywheel from a 216 CMP on them. I went this route with both 41 C60L and 42 C60S.