Wanted: 261 Chevrolet engine

[chris vickery]

I am looking for a good 261cid Chevrolet truck engine. These were also known as the Jobmaster.
These were commonly used in the 2 to 5 ton civilian trucks of the 1950's.
The truck engine has mechanical lifters, a more robust cam and torque than the similar Pontiac car motor of the era.
Prefer a runner, take out.
Have $, have other stuff to trade.
PMs please

[Bob Carriere]

You are looking for a 1955-1961 Chevrolet 261 larger truck engine.

GMC would have been 248 , 270 etc....

Cruise Kijiji or even local rural discount journals they do come up but very rarely as a runner.

Cheers

[chris vickery]

Bob, thanks for th clarification. Not being a GM guy per se, they are all the same, GM, GMC, Chevrolet etc.
I am sure the bowtie guys will give me a learnin'.
Always have my eyes open in the rag mags, Kijiji etc.
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???

[Phil Waterman]

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.

[motto]

Thanks Phil, the information you've provided has relevance to me also.
Last year I purchased a 1945 G506 Chevrolet 1-1/2 ton 4x4 from a fellow in New Mexico. When I drove it home from the import agent's premises I was very impressed with the performance and on further enquiry was informed that the engine in the truck was in fact a 261. It seemed even more peppy than I would expect from a 270 which I am very familiar with.
The unfortunate part is the engine rattles badly on start up until it gets oil pressure and it leaks oil like the Exxon Valdez so I think it best if I give it an overhaul.
These engines are a rarity in Australia so nobody knows much about them. This one has an oil filter attached to the manifold and we were wondering if it was full flow with its large diameter hoses. That question has been answered.
I feel a little more confident now knowing that information is readily available (and I assume parts also) so thanks again.

David

[Bob Carriere]

Rest assured Chris the 261 will fit... bolts right in with no modificaton to the CMP BUT as Phil pointed out the water pump from a 216 with a suitabe adapter plate is mandatory.... and easily found on EBay.

Fitting into a cab 11 CMP requires a bit more finess... you have to use a Cab 13 draft tube and you will need to run a small distributor from a 216 as the later 55 to 61 rubs on the engine cover.... no such issues with the cab 13.

I chose to use the original 261 flywheel with the HD 11 in. clutch plate....all rebuilt by Ottawa Brake and Clutch... of course I am running on 12 volts.

I found an after market hot rod twin oil filter mount that accepts the modern PH 8... this gives me an additional 1.6 liter of oil......oil pressure 40 pounds at idle .
Vacuum steady at 22 inches. The twin oil filters are mounted inside the frame on the pass. side and not visible. Had the original GM 1/2 in steel line refitted with modern rubber oil lines for the plumbing.

Runs very nice. Ran a Rochester B for a while and dids not like the gas leaks an switch to a YF carter manual choke.

Carbs were rebult by the Oak Brothers in Toronto they still use the old fashion flow bench to test and set up there rebuilt carbs.

Cheers

[chris vickery]

Who said anything about a CMP???