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#22158 01/08/2004 5:45 AM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 94 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 94 | I've heard that the Chevrolet 261 block is a stronger block than the 235. Can anyone confirm this? I know that the 261 has beefier internal components, but I was wondering if the block was stronger too.
I've located a '59 261 core for $100 and I'm considering going for it anyway. I've also been offered a complete running '54 235 that I could drop right in and replace my very tired '59 235 in my '53 1/2 ton. | | |
#22159 01/08/2004 2:03 PM | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,745 Member | | Member Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,745 | The 261 is the larger brother of the 235. The blocks look the same but the 261 has it's own casting to allow for the larger displacement. It still shares a lot of parts with the 235.
It won't be cheap to build up a 261 from a core. I would guess at least $2K
54 3100 with 235
62 flatbed dump C60 with 261
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#22160 01/08/2004 5:26 PM | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 | I'd buy the 261 but put in the 235 for now. I had the choice between rebuilding a full-pressure '54 235 (from '53 car w/Powerglide, actually) and a '61 261. I went with the 261 but both required the same work at the engine shop. The shop got $1800 from me including rebuilding an 848 head. There are some things you'll have to do to make the 261 work. A short shaft water pump, modified generator bracket, modified throttle linkage are needed. There are probably more that I am forgetting.
Tony and 4ontheFloor know a lot more about the 261 than me. Actually, most everyone knows more about the 261 than me.
1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet 34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
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#22161 01/09/2004 1:45 AM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 94 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 94 | Thanks guys,
I got an e-mail from Langdon's today, and they said that the 261 block wasn't any stronger, just bigger.
Wally, I'll probably take your advice and and put in the '54 235 and buy the 261 anyway for future use. The budget doesn't allow for a complete rebuild right now anyway. :mad: I'd eventually like to get a 1-ton with a dump bed and the 261 would be a great engine for that. The 261 is complete except for the carb. It's been sitting at a local salvage yard for 25 years in an old school bus. The owner said that something was wrong with the engine, but he couldn'd remember what. He guaranteed it against being cracked or scored. Sounds like a fair deal to me.
I'll probably donate the '59 235 to the local high school vo-tech program. They are always looking for student projects, and it needs a total rebuild. | | |
#22162 01/09/2004 2:04 AM | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,745 Member | | Member Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,745 | Go for it. I have always been amazed at the loads I am able to move in my 2 ton using the stock 261. I can't wait to someday put it in a smaller truck.
54 3100 with 235
62 flatbed dump C60 with 261
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