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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 64
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 64 |
OK guys i can get hands on a 59 or 60 261 engine what is involved in installing in the 51 chevy,,mounts,,bellhousing,,radiator,,water pump or would it be better to stay with a 235 of later years as far as fitting and performance.doc
doc
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The 261 engine will "install" the same as the 235 from the same years.Any bell housing will fit, radiator should be no problem and there are the "modified" water pumps available.Performance will be improved over even a 235...Go for it 
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,050
ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Oct 2002
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Chevgene, correct me, if necessary, but isn't the 261" engine about 2" or 3" taller than the 235" ? I'm wondering if there would be any interference between the engine (air cleaner) & the hood?  -Bob
-BowTie Bob
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
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ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162 |
No the 261 engine is the same size outside as the 235. 235 manifolds, starter generator water pump are the same as the 55 up 235, in 1955 the block was changed and requires a different water pump than the 54 down. You can fit the 51 mounts to the 261, the carb is the same except for a larger main jet in the 261. You can use a 235 flywheel if you don't want to use the larger clutch.
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The 235 and 261 are the same height.The only change is the larger bore which required siamesed (no cooling) between the cylinders.The 292 has the taller block as it had a lengthend stroke.The 261 also has a larger throltle bore in the carbuertor (than a 235) so retain the 261 carb. if possible.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 89
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 89 |
If you´re good on welding I would suggest some better engine mounts. My Fleetline has a 261 and it could turn the puny bellhousing mounts easily. So I´ve got a pair of 52 mounts, and welded on them the head of a 261 pickup mount,as they are mid block, The upper mount is a 261 original. But there may be other solutions depending on the block you have. Just don´t rely on the orig 51 mounts: they are becoming rare and are not up the task of holding the torque of a 261.
Mahar
51 Fleetline, 261, 3,55:1
94 Opel Omega 3,0
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