The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop for mule 1951

sorry for the off topic all.....

mr mule 1951 - there's a private message reply waiting for you, noticed it hadn't been read so i figured i'd point it out. took me long enuff to figure out how to reply to it, just wanted to make sure you weren't having similar issues getting to the reply

thanks...... now to try and be closer to topic.....

as long as i have my front end sheet metal off, and a 261 that needs rebuilt or replaced...... if i want to stay inline 6, any better motors than a 261 out there?

The 261 is the easiest swap, but there are bigger and better. GMC 302 is the best, followed by 292 and the GMC 270, They are more difficult to install, since your truck is not built for their mounting systems. However, the 261 is a good, reliable engine, and easy to get 200 hp out of.

pardon the ignorance - i thought the 302 was a v6?

i think i'll likely end up with the 261 put back together if it's rebuildable. i figured if a had a 235, i'd be looking for a 261 to replace it with, so it'd be worthy to see if there was an equivalent step 'up' from a 261

it's not like i need alot of power - tis in a '59 2-ton, so the gearing is insanely low for the torque. winding a bit higher would be nice when needed to stay out of traffics way. i'd like to avoid anything that's oo far from original, hence wondering what other inlines there are to consider. i've heard nothing but good about the 292, and little of anything else bigger

The 302 was GMCs biggest straight six. Produced in the 50s, replaced in 60 by the V6. 4" bore X 4" stroke. 130 hp, with tons of torque. Became a favorite of the inline hot rodders, but has been replaced by the 292, which has far better parts availability and the block isn't nearly as scarce. The last time I checked the 302 short block was selling for $500 to $800, bare and untested and if you could find one.

If you're wanting to stick with an original look, go with the 261. I believe it was an option in your truck.

sounds like sticking with the original 261 is prob the best bet. i'll have the restof the front end off this weekend and tear into the engine to see just had badly it broke. cross those fingers.

curiosity - what's the mountig difference for the GMC sixes you mention?

the more i read about the gmc engines, the more i want to find a gmc once i have the chevy 'done'

those twin-six monsters are just insane tho