Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 235 VS 261

Hello. I am looking for input regarding the direction I take on my engine rebuild. I have a 1962 235 that runs, but needs overhaul. I have access to a 261 block and crank from 1962 261. It seems that parts are hard to come by for the 261, especially the head. I cannot source a head anywhere. I have been told that a 235 head will work, but three steam holes need drilled. I have access to a 235 head, for a price; the 261 block and crank are free.

Any suggestions? Should I try to go with the 261? Or, should I stay with the 235?

punkatruck,

definitely go with the 261. there are 6 steam holes. all you have to do is lay a 261 head gasket on the upside down head with 4 or so head bolts in it to keep things lined up & mark the holes with a center punch & drill. other than the steam holes & slightly larger combustion chamber the heads are the same. most of us use the 235 "848" head on 261s because it automatically raises compression & if you want to go higher you don't have to mill as much. the block is the same other than the steam holes & the 3 & 3/4" bore & 58-62 was set up with full flow oil filtration. 261 rods were bigger & heavier. stroke on both engines is identical & the crankshafts are one & the same. it is not the parts that are hard to find, ( pistons are the only real difference) 261 blocks themselves are getting harder to find every day. given that you get 26 more cid in the same package & all the same hot rod goodies will fit i'll always choose the 261 over a 235.
robert

well i will get flack on this one but i would get both. the 62 235 was like the high water mark of that motor. and you said it is together and runs. i would do the rebuild on it, and get it in the car or truck you are building get it on the road.

then you already have the 261 to plan out and do right. 2-3 years from now you can change motors. and have the 235 for a spare motor. an extra running motr never did anybody any harm.

The 261 is the way to go. It has a better casting, rods, head and can be built to something 'worth while' (up to 292")etc.

All of your 235 parts will fit & it 'bolts in' to anything with a 235 and most 216s.

Good luck.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.