What's the easiest way to tell the difference between 216/235/261 manifolds? Are the ports on a 235 manifold noticeably larger than a 216? Would be handy to know exact sizes when searching somewhere you don't have internet to look up casting numbers. (Pic shows 216 width in inches).
Last edited by Skooter; 01/09/202311:51 PM.
Matthew 6:33
1952 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100 Late '55 235/SM420/torque tube 3.55 Dalton Highway survivor (using original 216) www.truckwithaheart.com
Here is a link to a very early Stovebolt thread that discussed this info. Detailed 216 and 235 "intake" port dimensions are noted in Barry Weeks reply at end of the thread (exhaust ports not discussed).
Found using the "Search the Site" link in left forums page margin.
It doesn't address the 261 intake size. Perhaps another 'Bolter can provide that detail???
One last note - the carb mounting flange size is also different between 216's, 235's and 261's. Another key tell-tale to help ID'ing manifolds.
Last edited by Gdads51; 01/10/202312:11 AM.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Thanks for the link. Answers the intake port size question (235 intake ports are 1 1/2 versus 1 3/8 for the 216). Have also learned that apparently, 235 manifolds will work on a 261, and that a 235 carb will work on a 261.
Will soon be looking for a set of 261 manifolds but since they're difficult or impossible to find, will probably have to settle for 235. Most sellers and their listings imply they're all the same, and they certainly are similar enough to confuse which is which.
Last edited by Skooter; 01/10/202312:40 AM.
Matthew 6:33
1952 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100 Late '55 235/SM420/torque tube 3.55 Dalton Highway survivor (using original 216) www.truckwithaheart.com
Skooter You'll get so you can recognize them,was busy trying to gat my 216 to the woods discovered you could grind off the 235 alignment rings flush on the intake so it would then slip right over 216 alignment rings then you could use the whole manifold assembly from a 235 on a 216. That was oh 20 years ago still running. Important to have those rings in there so a hard chuckhole wont knock your manifold loose ! Also I think 235/261 manifolds are virtually the same .
All 216 and early 235 manifold flange bolt pattern is 2-11/16" on centers (S.A.E. #2), the late 235 and all 261 is 2-15/16" (S.A.E. #3).
The 235 and 261 carburetors use the same bolt pattern, but are not the same size: 235: 1-9/16" throttle disc, 1-11/32" venturi, approx. 200 CFM 261: 1-11/16" throttle disc, 1-15/32" venturi, approx. 240 CFM
The 235 can be used, but the results may disappoint you.
panic Just ssaw your comment on 235/261 carbs on 216 not probably to satisfactory,I was using a different carb on my 216 manifold hack there .It' always ready to go summer and winter.
Yes panic: When I put my 62 235 in the 46 COE I had to use a rat tail file on the manifolds to get the original 46 manifolds on the 62 235 head. I always wondered why, now I know!
Skooter... the manifold on my 235 is the same manifold as the stock original on my 261... 3754644.
~~ Jethro 1954 3100 Back to Life In the Dity Gallery 1951 3100 (gone) / 1956 4400 (still in the neighborhood) / 1957 6400 with dump body (retired) / 1959 3100 panel (in the woods junked) / 1978 Custom Deluxe K10 / 1993 S-10 4.3 / 2004 Chevy Crew Cab / 1945 John Deere H / 1952 John Deere B / 1966 John Deere 2510 / 1967 John Deere 1020
