I am finally at the point after 24 years and seeing a Son finish College, starting to put together my 46 Chevy 1/2 ton. Here is the 1962 "261" mated up with a T-5 tranny, using the bracket from Vintage Metal Works.
Now I need to decide how to finish out the 261. Not original, not super hot rodded.
Intake Manifold ? Carb/Carbs ? Exhaust manifold ?
Please give me your opinions...
Mark
Last edited by Peggy M; 06/02/20243:59 PM. Reason: added more info to the title
1946 1/2 ton - 1962 "261" 1953 1/2 ton 5-window - "235" 1955 1/2 ton - 55 "265" Corvette motor 1959 1/2 ton Fleetside - "283"
I'm running stock manifolds, 1 bbl carb on a '59 261. I've run fentons / 2bbl , etc in my youth, must have liked to have to tinker & tweak on the road back then.
Last edited by BC59; 06/02/202410:13 PM.
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
Mark, Congrats on your son finishing college and getting back to further work on your truck! Since your question is focused on finishing up your 261, the post has been moved to the Engine Shop as that's the best place for that topic. Am sure others will be along soon to add their input and suggestions.
~ 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)
I have no direct experience with a 261/T5 setup. However, my 235/sm420 never feels underpowered, and I’d assume that your combination of more cubes and more gears will be even better. Put some real thought into your rear end ratio᠁.that will be key.
If it were me, I’d lean toward keeping simple. Stock intake with a working heat flap. Stock exhaust. Single carb but definitely not a Rochester. I’d look for an appropriately-sized Carter YF or Zenith.
There has been some recent discussion around here about various HEI setups. Easily done, if you’re into that. I like the way the points distributor looks and have no complaints about the way mine performs.
I'm running stock manifolds, 1 bbl carb on a '59 261. I've run fentons / 2bbl , etc in my youth, must have liked to have to tinker & tweak on the road back then.
What Oil Filter Housing did you use? one like that could solve some problems for me.
1951 3800 1-ton "Earning its keep from the get-go" In the DITY Gallery 1962 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971.
Regarding Ignition, I have used MSD for 25 years triggered by the stock points with the condenser out of the circuit. Only issue I've had it needing to dress the points if it has sat in the rain for a month or so. They corrode but a couple of swipes with a point file fixes that. Same points for years and years.
1951 3800 1-ton "Earning its keep from the get-go" In the DITY Gallery 1962 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971.
Since your question is focused on finishing up your 261, the post has been moved to the 
