The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 261 build questions.

Hi guys. I want to build an engine to learn from and the 261 the goal. I have a great running 235 so I'm in no hurry and can take my time. I know I need head, block, cam, and master rebuild kit. I live in AZ and patricks is nearby so that will help a bunch I imagine. I wondered though what I can take from my 235 and use on the 261 as I have tons of newer parts. Will the radiator, fentons, dual carb and intake, dual exshaust, hei from Langdons, flywheel, starter, etc be able to be reused in the 261? If so that'll shave some cost overall so I thought I'd ask. Also the stomp starter. Did the 261 have a stomp? Or will I need to fabricate something?

Yes, The only real difference is the block, and the head has cooling holes drilled between the cylinders. Many 235 heads have been drilled for use on 261's. Patrick will set you up with what you need. You are near Ptaricks, go talk to him.

Ill be asking them plenty I haven't any doubt! And thanks for the info.

The 848 casting number late 235 head gives the 261 a good compression bump, and there's a tech tip here on how to drill the steam holes correctly. They're angled slightly to intersect the coolant passages, not absolutely necessary, but it's a very good idea to do it the way the factory did. The main difference in the 261 is the bore size, 3 3/4 inches, which is way more than a 235 block will tolerate. 235 and 261 crankshafts are a direct swap- - -no difference in dimensions or stroke. Some 261's had heavier connecting rods, IIRC. The 261 camshaft is the same grind as the stovebolt-engine early Corvettes used, but there are much more radical cam profiles available aftermarket if you want a hot rod.
Jerry

I'm certainly no engine expert, but my 261 has an 848 head on it. I have a 235 flywheel, stomp starter, same rad and starter motor, also 235 one barrel carb.