Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines In search of the holy 261

I'm still trying to find my 261 engine. I may have found a truck that has my engine but the seller is a bit confused. Does anyone know when the grill changed from the 5-bar to the bull-nosed grill on the Chevy 2-ton trucks? I have someone selling what they think is a 52, but it has the bull-nose grill. Should I believe it is newer than 52? I think it's an older lady so she isn't able to get numbers off the engine for me. Any help here?

Hi BroDo . . .

Doesn't really make any difference what vehicle the engine is in . . . since there is no guarantee that the mill is original. You need block casting numbers to identify the engine! The Casting #'s page has what you need from there.

Good luck and happy hunting.

regards,
stock49

The bullnose and one piece windshield were '54 and '55 1st series.

Like stock49 says, alot of these trucks, especially 48-62, were re-engined over the years.
You need to visually inspect every one, or have the engine numbers available to know for sure. The 59-62 versions are the esiest to spot because of the 3/4" diameter oil filter lines and unique oil filter housing. If it has the "captains bars" above the starter, then it's about 90% positive that it is a 261, run the numbers at that point to be sure. Some '54 235's had those bars also, so I'm told.