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#33528 02/09/2004 2:38 AM | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 141 Member | | Member Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 141 | I stumbled upon a 261 shortblock and am considering upgrading from my 235. If I decide to do this I would use my existing 235 head (848)and drill the steam holes. A few questions for the experts:
1. Can I use my 235 bellhousing?
2. flywheel and starter ?
3. Pressure plate/clutch or should I go to 10 3/4" version ?
4. Can I use my 235 pushrods?
It is very tempting to make the upgrade even though my 235 runs well. The 235 is from a '61 and the 261 is from '58-62. If I go the 261 route I can not resist upgrading to Clifford intake with Weber 2 barrel, Fentons and a Howard's M4 cam. If you're gonna order sauce, then order the extra hot! | | |
#33529 02/09/2004 2:47 PM | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 54 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 54 | Yep on the bellhousing, starter, flywheel. The clutch is going to depend on which flywheel you use and I'm thinking that the big clutch dosen't fit in some of the old bellhousings. I think the pushrods are different on the 261 but I'd wait for a second opinion on that one  . | | |
#33530 02/09/2004 11:42 PM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 62 Member | | Member Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 62 | shoeless, I had different questions when I did my 261. Clifford and Patrick's answered'em all. Might call them. | | |
#33531 02/10/2004 1:07 AM | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | 1.) Yes.
2 & 3.) Yes, the 261 and 235 use the same crankshaft and bellhousing, but...
The 261 makes more torque than the 235. A 10" clutch is the minimum size, and if you can find an 11" clutch it will fit if you have the right flywheel.
The starter will fit as long as the teeth match the flywheel.
4.) The pushrods should be the same for the same year (there were changes through the years, mostly in the rocker arms), as long as you have the same kind of lifters in both blocks. Solids and Hydraulics do not necessarily use the same pushrods, but the 261 and 235 blocks have the same deck heights and stroke. The bore is the differance.
I actually used my 216 bellhousing and starter when I installed the 261 in my truck. I had the flywheel re-machined to fit the 6 volt ring gear and used the 6 volt foot stomp starter. I used the 11" clutch flywheel that came with the engine that I got. It all fits pretty well.
The 261 is a great engine. It has noticably more torque and power than a 235. It also has better lubrication with the full flow filter. The rods are heavier too.
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