Since my now-defunct (bad head gasket) 216 is coming out of the 1.5 ton, I now at am a crossroads.
I measured the radiator in the '42 and it is around 1" narrower than the AD radiator I had laying around. Looking inside the '42 radiator I see two tubes which are at least 3/4" across, where a newer radiator's tubes are usually not over 3/8" across. Would a stock radiator for a '42 handle a stock 261 or 248 GMC?
I have 3 engine choices for this truck: a stock 1955 235, a '51 248 GMC and a 261 which I have overhauled. The 235 is complete from water pump to clutch and bell housing and would be the easiest-a virtual bolt-in. The 261 would also be a bolt-in but I need to surface the flywheel and get a clutch disk. The 248 is in a truck that I am parting out. I would like to put the 248 GMC and synchronized tranny into the '42, which means more fabrication since the radiator mount and driveline will need to be changed.
How would the 235, 248, and 261 compare? The ratings in my Motors Manual rank them all in a virtual dead heat for HP and torque. Dad said that there was quite a difference in pulling power between a 235 and 261, but he had not been around many 248 GMCs. Would the 248 be worth the extra effort to install?
I use this truck to pull antique tractors on a tandem axle car trailer mainly, but I have used it to haul shingles and other junk to the dump. The 216 just really does not have enough HP to do what I want to do, and I am wondering if the 235 would be enough of a step up. If not, would the 248 or the 261 be the best?
Thanks in advance for any and all input!
