I am rebuilding a 261 to replace the 235 in my '51 3600. I have an oil pan from a 235 that is in better condition than the 261 pan so I would prefer to use it on the 261 block.

There are some differences between the two oil pans, however. The 261 pan has a vertical baffle for the oil pump pickup pipe as shown in this picture.

http://s578.photobucket.com/albums/...p/?action=view&current=OilPans-1.jpg

The top of the pans both have the same profile and bolt pattern and there doesn't seem to be any interference with the oil pump pickup when I test fit the 235 pan on the 261 block. Oddly, the 235 pan appears to have more capacity since the deep part of the pan is longer. The only other difference I can see is the location of the drains.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't use the 235 pan? Does anyone know why they would be different in the first place?

Joe

My '51 3/4 Ton