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#80748 07/31/2007 4:06 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 127
M
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
M Offline
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 127
what is the difference between the two?
would it be possible to make a 235 into a 261 by changing the crank or bore?
I know the 261 is highly desirable...what about the blue flame engines?
My 51 is my daily driver and I live in the mountains of colorado... I want to keep a straight 6..
suggestions and info would be great


"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
-D. Parker

1951 Chevy 3100
#80749 08/01/2007 6:39 AM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5
L
Junior Member
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L Offline
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5
In my '51 I have taken a 1954 261, bored 30, shaved the head 20, mild cam, balanced, polished the intake, twin carbs, offie water heated intake manifold, Fenton split exhaust, 5 sp with .373 rear gears. It's "this" close to firing up time to go to the muffler shop. Once I take the test drive I'll post my smiles, I hope.

This is my first time to be this involved with the "nuts & bolts" of any vehicle. I'm learning as a hands on finisher. Best thing that I have ever done. Now when I look at other projects I KNOW the love that's in the project.

Lloyd from Washington

#80750 08/01/2007 6:47 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 920
B
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Hey Mike, start with this. www.oldchevytrucks.com/Tips/261_six.htm
Then do a search using "261" here and you will find tons of info.
Lloyd, that's great. Keep up the progress report. I'm doing the same build as you pretty much only my tranny is an sm420 w/ a Gear Vendors O.D. and the original 3:90 posi. I have yet to assemble the motor, but the machine shop work including the balancing is done.


1962 Fleetside 4spd 235 w/O.D. posi 3:90
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#80751 08/01/2007 11:43 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,602
V
Shop Shark
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Posts: 1,602
The 261 is a little more powerful with 148 hp vs. the 140 from the 235.


#80752 08/01/2007 3:54 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 127
M
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
M Offline
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Posts: 127
basically I just wanted to know if the block was the same, would it be possible to "make" a 261


"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
-D. Parker

1951 Chevy 3100
#80753 08/01/2007 5:11 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 127
M
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
M Offline
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Posts: 127
ok now I have a clue, I read the history on the 261.. I may have to dig one up


"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
-D. Parker

1951 Chevy 3100
#80754 08/01/2007 9:34 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 132
K
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Posts: 132
From experience I can tell you, NO. Not enough material in block to bore it that far.

Leaks water when you fire it up. DAMHIKT!!!

#80755 08/01/2007 10:45 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 117
C
Wrench Fetcher
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Posts: 117
The 235 and 261 blocks are different. They both share the same crank; however, the 261 has beefier rods. Sorry, but you cannot bore a 235 block to a 261.


cgresham1212
If you don't drive it, why have it?
55 1st Series 3100 5 window
#80756 08/01/2007 11:03 PM
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,262
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,262
n case you are interested, the 261 high-lift cam can be used in a 1954 and later 235 (as used in the 53/54 Corvette Blue Flame Six). This would supposedly give higher power output at higher engine speeds. Use an "848" head for higher compression and you would have a peppier 235.


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