Wally's 261 air filter looks to me to be plenty of air filter surface area for easy breathing.
As far as the the 235 filter, if the element is twice as thick as the air filter on the larger diameter one on his 261, I'd say that would be good to go too.

1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission