Stovebolt.com Forums The Shop Area The Engine Shop 235 Verses 261 Engine Which One Is Better?????

Looking to buy a 235 or a 261 engine was wondering if there is one better than the other and how much work would it be to remove a 216 engine from a 1953 Chevy pickup and installing a 235 or 361. Thanks to all!!!!

Marv.

Marv,

They are essentially the same engine, one is just slightly larger, thus more desirable in today’s traffic.

Ed

Need more specifics to give a better answer.
If the buying price was the same and both engines in about the same condition, buy the 261.
More cubes more horsepower.
235 and 261 share a lot of common parts but 261 specific parts are more expensive.
See the Tech Tips section for Engine Swap (216 to 235/261).

high pressure 235 vs (USA) 261 installed in a 1953 truck:

buoymaker gives good advice/response

please correct/amend the following list:

car 235s have hydraulic lifters
truck 235s have mechanical lifters
all USA 261s have mechanical lifters

you will be Pre-68 Dave's water pump relocator/adapter (and, most likely you original from motor-mount "plate")

depending on the year 235/261 the motor mounts will be different from the original-engine's

you should be able to use your radiator hose set-up on either

you would most likely have to do a little rerouting/bending of fuel lines on either

both will have larger exhaust/intake manifold ports compared to the 216

both will most likely need adapted/new fuel lines?

both can use your old clutch-housing/clutch-assembly/u-joint assembly and rear motor mounts

Went from a healthy running 235 to a healthy running 261 in my 53 1/2 ton. With the correct carb on the 261, it has a small noticeable power and torque increase at the seat of the pants.

FWIW ... The Holy Grail here is the 261 with the "3733950" casting code. This block was designed as an engine for the late AD trucks ('54 and '55 1st Series) and they are a form/fit/function replacement -- requires no modification. You will need parts from your 216 to make it work (depending if you want to keep your 6-volt electrical system). Mine was made in 1959 as a crate motor for the '54/'55 trucks.

Not sure if the early 235's are the same way.

Later 235's and 261s require some mods to work.

Upgrading with the early 261 (if you can find one ) is easy -- your average orangutan with a hammer and an adjustable wrench could do it. Rebuilding it before hand ... um, not so much.

But either way, if you have a choice, go with the 261. Do 26 cubes matter? YES. That's an 11% increase. The difference on my truck (216 to 261) was that I went from a trailer queen (for longer trips, anyway) to a real highway cruiser. If you want to spend time cruising the Interstate or with guys who have done serious power upgrades to their trucks, every cube matters. You don't want to be the guy who the others are waiting for at the tops of hills.

Or if you are far north, source a 53 Canadian 235
it was standard equipment that year and it can take all the 216 accessories including the manifolds, and comes with the correct 6v starter ring gear.
The valve cover even looks like the 216, for extra car show confusion

"2. ALL 235's will require drilling for the water pump adapter plate (to mount it in the higher position)"
The early high-pressure truck 235s require no mods to install (as per John's other statement, below).

3. "The early 261's require no mods to install." - 1954/55st

I was editing my post while you were writing, tim .. My bottom line -- go for the/any 261. 216 to 235 is a good upgrade. 216 to a 261 is a *better* one Settle for a 235 if you can't find a 261.

- Amen