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| | | | Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 | I found a local ad for a 261 block (just complete block no head) for sale. Did they make a 1953 full pressure 261? I'm waiting on cast engine number when he gets home. Also should it have the small "steam" hole sets, or did that depend on the head used on it? What else should I be looking or asking on it before I drive 2 hours to look at it. He said it has a set of Chevron stripes and is .40 over now. Going to replace my 1950 216 very cracked engine. Looking for a 235 but this just came on the radar. Any information on the 261 would be greatly appreciated. Under a few of the older forums I found a link but it shows 1954 261 and up cast info, NO 1953.
/// He said serial # is 1AO5I0533. Make any sense?
Ok. Sent me pictures: Date Code H203. Casting # 3701481.
Last edited by Shaffer's1950; 12/09/2017 3:10 AM.
1950 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | No, there were no '53 261s. If it is indeed a '53 engine with captains bars (chevron stripes), it most likely is a 235 from a Powerglide equipped passenger car, as they also used those markings. A '53 Powerglide 235 will be a full pressure engine.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 | Ok, that's what research is saying. So I would have to Mic the cylinder Bore to confirm 235 unless he is off on the year. Also have to wait to get block cast #'s. Thanks.
1950 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | You might see if he can get you the serial number stamped by distributor as well.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,453 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,453 | 261 have another cast bar (1) on the L.H. side of the block near the head mounting surface near the center of the block. Also coolant passages (about 3/16" dia.) in block between cylinder 1-2, 3-4 & 5- 6. No 235 will have these coolant holes in block.
BC
1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc
1949 GMC 250 project in waiting
1960 C60 pasture art
Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 2,074 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 2,074 | Sounds like a motor I have, picked it up thinking 261 per Captain's bars but it's a '53 235 PG motor, still a good find.
Best of luck | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | They made high-pressure 235s in 1953 for Powerglide equipped cars/including Corvettes. BC59's suggestion is the best in determining if you have a 261 ( 6 small holes as shown here). 261s supposedly did not become available until 1954 models. Find and post all the casting codes: block casting code and block date casting code. | | |
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