Stand by for change #36.... I pulled both the 235 and 261 apart last night to start assessing what I'm dealing with. I think I've convinced myself to go with the 261. As they say, "There's No Replacement for Displacement." The shimmed bearings and rope seal were turning me off. The rope seal is a non issue. I can have the block modified to accept the one piece rear main seal. That leaves the shimming of the bearings that I didn't like the idea of. I kept thinking about why that would be necessary and it occurred to me that it wouldn't be if you turned the crank to account for the clearance you want. It just takes an added step. Problem solved IMO. I took the 848 head off the 235 and put it on the 261 for mock up. I'm sure it was said, but another bulb went off. I don't need the water pump adapter on the 261. I bought one for the 235 which is fine, but it's another thing I just didn't quite like the idea of. I'll keep it with the 235 and see if I end up using it when I rebuild that motor.
