The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 vs 261

What would you guys recommend.

To be put into a '48 2-ton.
A used '61?, mileage unknown 261 (3 hours away) or a rebuilt '58 235 long block with a 848 head (an hour away)? Same price.

I would have to change out front motor mount plate and get water pump adapter on both.
261: would probably need a couple of other tweaks that I have been reading about.
235: I could transfer most of the parts from my cracked '48 235. Can I use the same distributor, carburetor, remote oil filter?

Anything else I not thinking about?

Thanks for any input offered. D.

May we assume you've read our 261 rebuilding tech tip? If not, it will give you more insight as to what to expect with an unknown/unrebuilt 261 (or any engine, for that matter).

And that an engine was "recently rebuilt" doesn't mean much unless *you* were the one doing it (and know all the cut corners ... )

Just sayin'

Thanks John for the quick reply.
Yes, I read that and many other threads and articles here and on other sites.

Either way I will have to tear them down,to a certain extent, to install the motor mount plate.
I would do a thorough inspection then.

Still probably won't know the corners cut.

I was wondering what the big advantage to the 261 was. (without the 848 head)
If it is a hp thing, from my research, it looks like the 1958 235 has 145 hp and the stock 261 has 150 hp.
Both far more than the 1948 235 @ 93 hp

D.

The extra displacement is very important even for daily use, and the only practical way to get almost 11% more (in comparable bore sizes). It increases the effectiveness of any other mods.
By comparison, a 292-rod based stroker is worth about 5% displacement for $$$.

w/r/t/ Can I use the same:
distributor, yes
remote oil filter, yes
carburetor, you could, but selecting a stock 261 carb (as someone better versed in this matter than I am will tell you) will save much grief.

A 1948 235 distributor will have a steel gear on it, not a good match for the later cast cam engines, although the dist gear can be changed.

Thanks,Panic
Thanks Dave,

So if I go with the '58 235 which I think I'm leaning toward,
I hit up Dave for the water pump adapter, use my pump and fan, my balancer and pully, generator (12v), my fly wheel, starter and bell.

I will still have to do all of the above if I go with the used 261. (That is enough for me to do for now, I am not prepared to rebuild the 261, (or even the 235) at this time.

On the 235 long block use my manifolds, but with a better carb. and could I go with the
A-Team HEI DISTRIBUTOR 65KCOIL Early Chevrolet Straight 6 41-62 194 216 235 BLUE?

D.

The 235 is a great engine. The A-Team dist may work ok, but it may do other things. I have one which worked but developed a strange habit of wicking oil up the shaft and into the body until it poured out the bottom of the cap. This Chinese product is sold by many sellers and has been for a long time. I bought the one I have on eBay in the late 90s because it was very cheap. Tom Langdon's mini HEI works well and Tom is a good guy. You can also adapt the GM 250 HEI to the 235 and it is a decent dist.

Diamond D, I tried to send you a PM but unable. I'd be interested in the 261 if you're not going to use it. Dave

If it was me, I'd buy them both if I could and then decide later.

I love the the old 235 back in the 60's I had a 235 Impala convertible rebuilt the engine for $112.00 then added a Fenton manifold and 3 single carbs. Dad all most had a heart attack! Could drag race the 283's with nooo problem! Yes I would buy both the 261 more torque if I remember right! Old but not dead!

Pops the truth is out there

Thanks for the heads up, Jon.

DaveV, I'll keep that in mind.

D.

Believe me, Wally, it's in the mix.

Not really in the budget, but I've been kicking it around.

D.

Ditto

I had a Langdon's Hei for 10 years and was very happy with it. He is great to work with.

Doing a front timing plate swap IS NOT a simple procedure. You'll be halfway through a full engine rebuild, labor-wise, before the new plate gets installed.
Jerry