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| | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 | I have received a lot of advice regarding replacing my stock 216 in my ’53 3600 with a 235 or 261. Someone said to get a ’54 235 and it would bolt right in (may need short water pump). Others have said any year 235 or 261 fits. What years of which motors is the best fit? What is the truth here? I have access to several. All will be rebuilt.
Thanks
John
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 | I'd go with a 261, it shouldn't cost much more if any than the 235 to rebuild and you can easily convert it to a full flow oil system.You also get more cubic inches, more torque and the parts are readily available.
Tommy
59 apache 1/2t
261 short stepside
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,557 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,557 | If you get the 1954 to 1955.1st 235 or 261 it will have the short water pump.You might want to read this tech tip engine swap ,then a search on the subject,theirs months of reading available.
1951 3100 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet Suburban CarryallImage"A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 | I bought what I thought was a 235 and I actually got a 261, out of a '58-'60 Canadian Pontiac. It fit right in, no issues. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 | there are some paculiarities to the swap, but basically any 235 or 261 can be made to directly bolt in and replace the 216. The bellhousings and timing plates are all interchangeable in these motors, making it possible to change out as necessary to make a truly bolt in deal. There is a trick with the water pump to center the fan in the radiator, do a search and you'll be an expert. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 116 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 116 | I put a 261 in my 39.... didnt research enough before hand. I put the water pump that goes to the 62 261. Needless to say its too close to the radiator for a fan. I just ordered the adapter plate to use the earlier style short shaft pump which also raises the fan up to the location it was on my original 216
matt
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50657267@N08/sets/
1939 1/2 ton Resto-mod
1937 1 1/2 ton Is in the driveway
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
bowtietim gave you the best (and simplest) answer for the easiest fit (54/55-1st 235 and USA truck 261).
Any 261 can be made to fit and would be a great improvement.
Any 1955 and newer 235 would also be an improvement and can be made to fit.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 461 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 461 | For easiest fit, use your 216 flywheel, bellhousing, starter and trans. It will all bolt right up to the 235/261 block. Some of the later flywheels teeth will not mesh with the 216 starter.
Hank | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 | Don't forget the '53 powerglide 235, full oil pressure and the same as the '54 | | |
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