This will be long. My 1 ton panel (Ruby) is now powered by a 261 bored .080, 848 rebuilt head, HEI,T5, 4.10 rear. When I put the 261 in, 18,000 miles ago, I knew there were some problems, namely cyl. #4,5,6 were badly scored but not knowing better I just re- ringed along with bearings and ran it. Rear 3 cyls. burned oil some so I used plug extenders on them and that helped.
Compression at that time was (from cyl 1 to 6) 115, 112,115 105,100,98.
Now the last three are 102,95,96.
Not good; hard to time and set the valves.
I have a good rebuilt 235, .040 as a spare. (My wife has wondered why would anyone have a SPARE engine?) Anyway, this engine was in a local Vol. FD truck that rolled. Supposed to have about a 1000 miles on it. No cyl. ridges, hyd. lifters; looks fresh. (Has a funky external oil line from the block to the head).
I haven't checked the compression on this engine but assuming it is good, Would it make more sense to swap in the 235 for the 261 or try to do something to fix(?) the 261.
Would there be much difference in driving feel between a sick 261 and a healthy 235? I guess that is my question.
