My 261 with 848 head off a 235 reads 145-155lbs. hot at 2500 ft. altitude. It also has a hotter cam that should drop the cranking pressure some. The 235 with the same head and cam was about 135-145 hot. Idle vacuum on both engines is/was ~ 12in.Hg at ~700RPM Less if pulling the A/C compressor or if the alternator is loaded.


1951 3800 1-ton
"Earning its keep from the get-go"
In the DITY Gallery
1962 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971.