Thanks to all for responding, and welcoming my questions as I proceed in rebuilding this great ol' 261. In answer to your questions (1) I live near Huntsville, Al., if anyone knows of a machine shop nearby, experienced with this engine. (2) Based on information found in earlier posts, I have confirmed my engines to be 261s, ie. bore size 3.750; higher cam lobes ( approx .100 higher than 235); aluminum cam gear; captains bars; block number, etc.
I pulled both engines from 60s school buses. The pistons are stuck so hard in one, they wont come out, even with a big hammer. I was able to reclaim the crankshaft and cam. This engine definitely has the full flow oil system. The other engine is rebuildable and in pretty good condition, however, the oil lines to the filter are smaller, similiar to my 216's. The threaded holes in the blocks for these lines are approximately 3/4 inch, and in the same location on each engine, one is fine thread, the other is coarse, probably 1/2 NPT. Inserted in this hole was a common 1/2 NPT pipe plug which had been drilled and tapped (through the square end)to accept the smaller oil lines. If thats not too confusing, maybe someone can tell me a sure way to know if this 1959 to 1962 block, which is completely disassembled, is a full flow set up.
