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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 143 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 143 | Before I purchase a complete 261 engine that needs rebuilding, Are all parts available and where should I start my search.
Thanks Red
1950 5 Window
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 | The only parts unique to the 261 are the pistons, connecting rods, and the cylinder head. Virtually anything else interchanges with the 235. The high compression "848" head for the 235 can be used on a 261 by drilling six small holes in the right place. The later model 261s (59-63) have the capability to run a full flow oil filter- - - - -which is a huge leap backwards in actually getting the small particles strained out of the oil. Start your rebuild parts search on Ebay- - - -there are thousands of suitable parts available there, and they don't get the price bump the resto-ripoff parts guys charge!
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 143 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 143 |
1950 5 Window
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2020 Posts: 71 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2020 Posts: 71 | Start by looking for a 1955 or newer, that's for both 235 and 261, the 1954 and older have doweled rod and main bearings that are really hard to find. My 1959 261 was bored 60 over and I had a hard time finding pistons. Once I found pistons I couldn't find rings for them because of the wide ring groove, I had to go right to Hastings and have them made (not cheap). All the rest of the parts for the overhaul were easy to find, but you have to shop to find the best price. This was about 4 years ago so it probably hasn't got any better.
P.S.
Then there's finding a machine shop that isn't booked out for the next year or so.
51 GMC 100 with 59 chevy 261 under the hood.
3 on the floor with 3.42 gear.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 | I'm working on a parts list that will turn a 261 into a 291 cubic inch displacement engine, using a stroker crankshaft, some creative machining, and pistons for a Japanese Diesel engine. 4 5/16" stroke, a 96MM bore, plus flanged slip-fit cylinder sleeves which will eliminate the need to rebore the block on future rebuilds. It takes about 15 minutes with a Dremel tool to make the newer design main bearings fit an early block.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2024 Posts: 63 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2024 Posts: 63 | I know there would be variables, does anyone have an idea what it might cost to rebuild a 261?
Also, can anyone give me a price range on a used running previously rebuilt 261. Compared to a running not rebuilt 261. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 51 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 51 | I just paid to have my 1957 261 rebuilt, including replacing the head with an 848 head. Total cost was right at $4K. Time from drop off to pickup was 11 months.
WW2Chevy
1942 Chevrolet G506 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Army Cargo w/ winch
(Retro-roco)
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,363 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,363 | The only parts unique to the 261 are the pistons, connecting rods, and the cylinder head. Virtually anything else interchanges with the 235. The high compression "848" head for the 235 can be used on a 261 by drilling six small holes in the right place.
Jerry The head gasket is unique to the 261 as well.
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: Aug 2001 Posts: 1,285 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 1,285 | Water pump style and location are different between the early style and the later style as well. | | |
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