The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 to 261 conversion 1952 Burb...

I want to save the 216 from my suburban. I'd like to pull it out and put in a 1958 261 for a little better performance. Whats involved with this swap? I've searched and found lots of good info on this subject. I don't want to cut or drill on my frame. Is this possible?

Hy 1954Chevy5Window, By swapping the front mount plate from the 216 to the 261 and using the 216 bellhousing, it is almost a dropin swap. The other issue to deal with is the water pump, post 55 235s and 261s have a longer water pump than the old 216s, and the newer pumps sit lower in the engine than the old ones. There are a couple of different ways to deal with this, do a search on water pumps I'm sure something will be there, hope that helps, and good luck, and lastly keep us informed.

I did this swap in a '50 pickup, and it is pretty easily reversible but there are a couple of issues you have to overcome:

1.) Water pump. I shortened the shaft of mine and used a Ford pulley. I don't have enough room to run a mechanical fan. If I had to do it again I would get the adaptor plate kit and run a 216 style pump.

2.) Throttle linkage. The bell crank pivot point on the 261 is not in the same spot as on the 216. I ended up shortening my pedal shaft. It also rubbed, so I flattened the curvature of the pedal a bit by squeezing it in a vise. Worked fine.

3.) Starter. If you want to keep the footstomp starter, you have to run the flywheel from the 216, get a 12V footstomp starter, or do something a bit more strange. I opted for the bit more strange- I wanted to use the 11" HD clutch on my 261 but I kept my 6V starter. I had the flywheel turned down at a machine shop to fit the 6V ring gear. It cost me $50 and worked great.

4.) Front mount. I did not have to modify mine. My 261 came out of a '62 Suburban and it already had the holes drilled in the front plate. You can either swap the front plate or just drill the holes in the one on your engine. If you don't want to mess with pulling both camshafts then just drill.

5.) Oil filter. You can't run the 261 oil filter bolted to the rear of the manifold without it hitting the steering column. I re-mounted mine to the front of the manifold by making new hoses.

On the 1960-62 engine conversions I drill the side of the block and install a pipe plug that I drill and thread for the pivot stud. (see pic.)
http://picasaweb.google.com/pre68bowtie/MechanicalPart#5031057369668349522


Throttle Pivot Positions
(216-235)

216 12 9/16” from rear of block
4 .850” from deck of block

53-59 9 1/8” & 12 9/16” from rear of block

1960-62 9 1/8” only from rear of block

Interesting thread, as I will be dropping the 261 into my frame next month. It came with a 235. My front motor mount will work by the looks of it.

I thought it was straight forward, sounds like even I might be able to do this swap. I got the engine home tonight I'll start the conversion sometime after the first of the year. Thanks.