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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 | Thinking about changing my '51's 216 to a 235, or 261. Will both of these engines bolt right up using the existing mounts/locations from the 216, or are there some modifications/fabrication involved in the switch.
Also, is one engine better than the other as far as fit, performance, reliability, etc. Blocks the same (?)
May take on the project over the winter, just wanting to get as much info as possible before starting.
Any info would be appreciated,
Thanks, | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,596 | Use the search engine and look in the Tech Tips for some good information. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | The 216 and early 235 is pretty near the same as are the later 235 and 261. And yes,they all bolt up with minimal modification and effort.As Brad says,there is plenty of info in the Tech Tips.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | Check your title to see if the engine number is used as the VIN. If so, when you replace the engine without re-titling, you won't have your VIN anywhere on your truck. Just an FYI.
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion.
Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 461 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 461 | Call Patricks and ask for their catalogue it has a great article on the swap as well. www.patricksantiquecars.comHank | | | | | Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 2,074 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 2,074 | Front mount plate can be swapped from your old 216 to either the 235 or 261. The other issue easily solved is with the later motors different style water pump, the Patrick's catalog deals with that issue. Like Hankdogg said, this catalog from Patrick has all the tech info you'll need. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 10 | Thanks for the info.
Catalogue is on order! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | The 261 is a more powerful motor but some of the parts cost more. | | |
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