The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 261 engine replaces 235 engine

Just finished replacing 235 engine with a 261 engine in my '55 1st series truck. Needless to say...WOW. The 261 is completely rebuilt. Numerous stuff done for better performance include high lift cam, .08 over pistons, dual carbs, dual exhaust and 5 speed tranny. Couple local trips today and tomorrow then plan a road trip this weekend. Its been in the shop for almost 2 months. I ready for some summer fun.

Welcome to the club!!!!!

Put 85 miles on the truck today. No problems. Lots of power and the transmission really makes the truck a driver.

I did that swap too. I`m quite happy with it.

I'd be curious to know what kind of power. Subjectively, can you elaborate?

Elaboration is hard to do behind a keyboard. Like many say, there is no substitute for cubic inches. I have had many ride/drive my truck, they all have a grin when the ride is over. They say it pulls like a V-8.

Tim Lederman I think is the best person to chime in here. He has had both engines in his Burb. He was trying to decide whether to reinstall his 261 a few years ago. He took my truck for a ride and the next year the 261 was in his truck.

Not saying that was the ultimate deciding factor, but I'm sure it made a compelling arguement.

I reluctantly reinstalled the 1960 261 into my 1954 Suburban after its 235's oil pressure was about zero (three years ago). The 261 was in my shop and had been rebuilt by me in 1972. My reluctance to put the 261 back into the 261 was because I had wanted the Suburban to have original-style appearance.

I quickly got over my reluctance. The difference in power is (subjectively) noticeable at all speeds (I had forgotten the feeling, even though the ride in SWEET's truck had been impressive and had brought back good memories). The 261 accelerates faster from start and it accelerates far better than the 235 when cruising (if you need to pass someone; or, if you want to show off).

I have dual Carter-Webers now (which were recommended to me but I do not recommend them). I like SWEET's dual carbs better and I liked dual 261 Rochesters very much (they are now on a friend's/neighbor's 261, which accelerate faster than mine).

Back in the early 70's when I rebuilt and first used the 261 in my Suburban, I used the original single Rochester carburetor (the 261's original carburetor). The increased power of the 261 over the 235 was remarkable, even with that single-carb set-up. I could cruise or accelerate on Interstate 64, going up Afton Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains - there was no way that my 235 could pull that mountain without loosing speed. There was no need, with the 261, to use the truck climbing lane.

Tim

Next time you go home to Charlottesville, lets plan a truck summit there and you can chat with Cosmo. We put a Carter-Webber setup in his truck and he is quite pleased.

I agree with Tim that the Carter Webers are much better mannered than the Rochesters but there is a slight loss of power.