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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 | I have a chance to get a 56 261 from a Canadian Pontiac Car. Any thoughts on this year? Should i be looking for a different year? | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy wolffcub, I believe that 261 would be the same as the one produced up to 1962, the Canadian Pontiac car engines only used bypass oil filtration and did not have the larger ports for oil circulation that their American cousin truck engines of the same period had, hope that helps. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | A difference between the Canadian Pontiac 261 and the Canadian/USA truck 261 is the Pontiac 261 (only sold in Canada) uses hydraulic lifters. All truck 261s came with mechanical lifters. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | So, to answer your question, it is a good, desireable engine.
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I drove a 55 Pontiac 261 years ago and it was awesome. We also had a 1960 Pontiac with the 261 and it was really nice too. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 | So took a close look at the engine. Looks alright. Block number check out to be a 55-57 261. The head is actually a 848 one already so things are looking up. Can be turned over by hand so it not seized. Oil pan looks to be in mint shape and also got a second valve cover with Chevrolet stamped into in like what the corvette has. Guy might even have a second 848 head he will toss in. Only thing is that his buddy took half of the valve rockers  Great guy....he actually is just giving me the engine and stuff for free. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | 235 rockers will work fine.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 | just need to find some with the shafts now. | | |
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