The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Lucky day

Yesterday a guy I know asked me if I was interested in a '58 GMC 270 six.... for free. Today I went to get it with 51Bolt and it got better. It's not a GMC 270 but a '58 261 with McGurk pistons, dual valve springs, Edelbrock dual intake w/ Rochesters. It turns free and the guy says he pulled it from his 38 Chevy Coupe because he was tired of it not starting when it was hot. Here are some questions: 1.Is this a car 261 as it has no oil filter? The only open fitting is on the drivers side aft where the oil pressure sender would be. The plug for full flow is flush with the block (I think). 2.The head is an 850 dated 1957 but the head bolt in the hole directly behind the small pipe plug in the left side center of the head has a slot in it and it is drilled for oil flow. I have the original 261 that came in my 62 1/2 ton and its head is also dated 1957 but no slotted bolt. I know it oils fine because I have started it and broken it in. (No body yet so I can't drive it). What would be the difference between the two? 3. The manifold carb studs are spaced for type 2 carbs and one of the carbs numbers can be matched to that on a 216. The other is sized the same Is this combination (2 small 1 bbls) O.K. to run on a 261? The guy said it was a really strong motor the way it was set up. I know you guys have all the answers so thanks.

In answer to ques. 1- There never was a 261 car engine in the USA. They were used in Canadian Pontiacs, I'm not sure what years.
And concerning the "original 261 that came in my 62 1/2 ton"- I don't think so if it was US mfg. I don't know about Canadian on that one.
You don't disclose your location. Are you hiding?

Cletis- The 261 was offered in 1962 as an option on the 1/2 ton truck. The grease markings are still on the firewall of my truck "293" is the RPO (regular production option code) for the 261. Next to it is "4s" for the heavy duty 4-speed also installed. I also have the repro sales brochure stating the 261 available as an option. I know the 261 was only offered as a car engine in Canadian Pontiacs. Is there any way to tell if this 261 is from car or truck? Oh, I'm down in Lake Jackson.

Wow man, I don't know much about 261's but, that's a SCORE! Please post some pics if you can.
-David
Kustoms-and-Sleds

According to my book, a 261 was available in 1962 but it was available from the 1/2 ton to the 1 ton C class and for the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton K class trucks. I learn something new everyday. I just wish I could remember something new everyday.
Scott

Ya "learnt" me something too. My only reference for '62s is a Motors Manual and they show 261 only in 2-tons and school busses.
Lake Jackson, huh? Well that narrows it down to Texas, Florida, Virginia or Ohio.
By the way, yes it was definately a lucky day. You must be doing something right.

They changed the way the oil comes up to the rockers in 58. The slotted bolt was never found on a "factory" engine, it was used by the dealers and machine shops to adopt earlyer heads to the newer blocks with the changed oil flow system ( no oil line under the side cover).

I would bolt 2 of Langdons Holley /Weber carbs on it (arround 60$ each) and you will see a boost in milage and performance.

Wow I wish something like this would happened to me

Frank