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Possibly put a 261 in to a 1938 Chevy???
#1152950 03/02/2016 3:20 AM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 90
Missouri
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BigChevroletFan
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Hello guys!
I really couldn't find anything that answered the question that I'm trying to answer in regard to a 261 engine. Is it possible to install the 261 in a 1938 keeping most of it original as possible as I intended to do the 216 but I'd want to use it and have it be solid as well. Any thoughts would be much appreciated as I am thinking of putting it in a 3/4 ton and a 1 1/2 ton both 1938's and trying to stay as stock-original as possible. Thank you!

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Re: Possibly put a 261 in to a 1938 Chevy???
BigChevroletFan #1152952 03/02/2016 3:23 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,096
Longmont, CO
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EdPruss
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Probably ought to get the 4 or 5 speed trans that comes with or will work with the 261-420, 465, 540.

Ed

Last edited by EdPruss; 03/02/2016 3:24 AM.
'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.
Re: Possibly put a 261 in to a 1938 Chevy???
BigChevroletFan #1152961 03/02/2016 3:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,337
Snohomish,WA,USA
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Pre '68 Dave Offline
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Pre '68 Dave
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A 261 would almost be a direct fit depending on what year it is.

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Re: Possibly put a 261 in to a 1938 Chevy???
EdPruss #1152964 03/02/2016 4:08 AM
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Missouri
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The 3/4 ton has a four speed on it now that was on the 216, what would I need to check from there with it? The 1 1/2 ton I'm just about to buy one just out of state so I'm going over particulars and making sure of things.

1938 Chevy 3/4-Ton
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1938 Chevrolet 1.5-Ton
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Re: Possibly put a 261 in to a 1938 Chevy???
Pre '68 Dave #1152965 03/02/2016 4:09 AM
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Missouri
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The engines I'm looking at are late fifties early sixties.

1938 Chevy 3/4-Ton
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1938 Chevrolet 1.5-Ton
Gonna be a classic farm truck
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In the Stovebolt Gallery
Re: Possibly put a 261 in to a 1938 Chevy???
BigChevroletFan #1152970 03/02/2016 4:33 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,337
Snohomish,WA,USA
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Pre '68 Dave Offline
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Pre '68 Dave
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Throttle pivot positions and water pump location are just a couple of the things to be aware of.

See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet!
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