Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train 261 in 73-87 chevy pick-up

I am new so here so bare with me, please. I have an 81 chevy pickup that had a 250 w/t350trans. I recently purchased a running 55 261 and would like to put it in my truck. Does somebody make conversion mounts to put this in my truck. I also have a t5 out of 86 firebird 2.8l that I am going to run with it. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike

Just like Walt I can see no advantage to putting the older design engine in the 81. You might consider going to a late 292 for a few more inches but you could also do plenty to the 250.
I haven't checked adapters but I think you would be hard pressed to find one to hook that trans to the 261 block.
The 261 would be great in an older Chev pickup or car though. I've had friends run them in the 47/53
pickups and really scoot with a few mods.

If the 250 is in decent shape or good enough to rebuild I think a four barrel or dual carb intake, hedders and a proper cam would be interesting.

I am new to the site, not at working on cars. My old 250 has an intergal head and the head is junk. I have the 261 and I want something different. I just wanted to know if someone made conversion mounts. I will just set it in there and fabricate some mounts. Thanks for your info though.

Dear Mike;

The 261" engine is great for 1962 & older vehicles.

If you want "something different" find a 292" engine for your truck. You may need to change one of the mounts is all. The rest is prety much the same.

Good luck.

I can understand wanting to use what you have, but it will likely be more work than it is really worth. You will need to fab the mounts and any accessory brackets for options your late truck has. If you are doing to be different that is fine, but I would bet you could trade the 261 for a complete good 250 with a pre 75 head or better a 292 and make your life a little more simple.

Folk are always looking for a good 261, which readily interchanges with a 216 or 235 in an older car or truck. They are, in fact, becoming rather expensive.

An advertisement on this site or in the *12-Port News* could get a good price or a good-running 292 for that 261. The 261 is a fine engine for its era, but it is no match in a later truck for a well-prepared 292, and the parts for the 292 will be less expensive and easier to come by--more power and more torque for less money and sweat, and the 292 offers more main bearings and greater potential for longevity as well as development.

For a Chevrolet car or truck made before 1963, the 261 is a wise choice. For vehicles made after 1962, the 292 makes far better sense.

God's Peace to you.

d
Inliner #1450

thanks for all your information guys. I was thinking of putting a 292 in also. It will be easier Now I just have to try and find one.

I'll bet if you run an ad to trade it for a 292 you could trade easily and fine it pretty quickly to boot

I think somewhere here on the board there is a chart that tells what the later 292 engine came in.
As far as year anyhow.

Mine came out of a running truck that someone wanted to put a V8 in.

What everyone else said. Shop around. You should find that you can get a 292 and then some for what you could get for the 261.

I listed the 261 on ebay. Here is the listing
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...:MESE:IT&ih=015
If any one is interested in buying it or trading for a 292 let me know.
Thanks again

I believe that most people who are looking for these engines on Ebay are searching in the "Vintage car and truck parts" which is a subcategory under parts and accessories. At least I do. I did my daily search before I read this and I didn't see it. Just thought you should know.

Thanks I changed it!

I am reading all the back and forth about the 261/292 thing. I noticed that Don said after 1962, a 292 would work better. I have a '49 Chevy Fleetline, the car was ratted before I bought it so staying original is already out the door. I am thinking a 292 to pick up some cubes. I'm not going drag racing but I want some snap when I feel the urge. I've located one in a Chevy van, late 60's early 70s'. will this work ok in my app? I figured headers,3-1, HEI 280 cam. What's up with a 4 angle valve job? Or will a 3 angle do? I am also thinking at least a front frame swap to get disc brakes and power steering.

I just need guidance! I have a '49 Sub too, but I'm trying not to think about that one yet.