Wanted: 261 Chevrolet engine

[cletrac (RIP)]

If you're looking for power go with the 270s big brother 302. It was a good truck engine.
The 261 is a higher rpm engine than all the others and hence has more zip. A good 261 could handle a 283 V8 in a similar sized vehicle. I have 3 or 4 261s that need overhauling. They're a direct replacement for a 235.

[chris vickery]

Now that we are straying off target here, the intention was a direct replacement for a stock 235cid. No modifications, no hotrodding etc. Respectfully, 270's, 302s etc have their place and for this discussion this is not it.
While I am a purist at heart, I am also a realist. Physically, the average Joe cannot even tell the subtle differences between a 216/235/261 block. It is the small details that make it so. Internally it is a whole different story.
Back in the day, the term "sleeper" was used to convey a vehicle that from it's outward appearance was a normal, stock built car. What was under the hood was something again. In the case of HMVs, the inferior 216 has and is often replaced with the better built 235 for the interest of reliability and durability. The engineers at Chevrolet figured out how to make a 216 better.
If a fellow can essentially put a better engine with more horsepower and torque under the hood without sacrificing originality, why not?
If you had a choice of more bang for the buck and have to rebuild your old 216 or 235 why not go for bigger and badder?
BTW, a stock 216 is approx 80hp I believe and a stock 261 is 148hp.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by chris vickery

Now that we are straying off target here, the intention was a direct replacement for a stock 235cid. No modifications, no hotrodding etc. Respectfully, 270's, 302s etc have their place and for this discussion this is not it.

Chris,

Sorry for high-jacking your thread. I wholly agree on improving - while essentially keeping the original looks - over hot-rodding etc. I believe any modification should be reversible if anyone wishes to do so at a later stage (i.e. without butchering the chassis etc.).

Your wanted ad triggered a question from my side because in the HMV fraternity in The Netherlands we know hardly anything about Chevrolet engines besides the related GMC 270 because of the abundance of GMC CCKW trucks.

I am looking forward to any modification tips you can share after you find the right "Jobmaster" for the your 1.5-ton Chevrolet.

Hanno

[chris vickery]

No issues with hijacking Hanno, I just know how these threads start of one place and end up another.
I do suppose that in NL and the rest of Europe, the GMC is predominantly found.
Here in North America we have the luxury of the big 3 automakers who built before and after the war., often using what was on hand and even continuing onwards later.
The Ford flathead is another example that was used before and well after the war with modifications and improvements from the factory. Thats what engineers do.

[Bob Phillips]

Hi Chris, et al:
I have just got my rebuilt 261 back from the engine shop. It is a complete overhaul bored to .030. No problems getting parts but rear main seals leaking seem to be an issue, so some shimming and gooping required to seal this engine. With respect to engine mounting mine ( 1958) does not have the holes at the front base where a 216 bolts to the front cross frame but rather has side mounts about 3 inches back from that location on either side. There is also tapped holes on either side of the block back about 10 inched from the front where you could put proper side mounts if needs be.
In my case this is going in a 13 cab CMP and I had hoped to use the heavier (synchro) tranny that came on the engine but it is longer than the CMP tranny so I may have to go no synchro.
Frame is sandblasted and painted, springs rebuilt ready to go in, just need time!! B.P.

[chris vickery]

Well I have a couple leads but like Bob C mentioned it looks like finding one will be a challenge and at best likely a rebuild.
In the meantime, looks like I might have a line on a running 235 for now.

[Bob Carriere]

Don't be shy Bob....star a new thread and show us your cab 13...... pleeeeze!!!!

You may be able to drill your front plate in situ for mounting in the CMP typical location...... have you changed the water pump yet for the extra clearance???/

Bob C