Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Early 261 Confusion

I tried to sort out early 261 Chevy vs later 235 engine block details. I'm confused. I am told that some 235 Chevy's also had the 'captains bars' on the block. Is this true?

And early 261's did not have the external full pressure oil filter system like the 1958 and later 261's. But an external system can be added. Is this true?

I was also told that if I use a 235 casting code 8386-848 head, that its not critical to drill out the head to match the 261 block steam holes.

Do the early 261's have babbit bearings? I didn't think they did but my buddy and I got into a tiff over this last night and he stomped out of the shop.

We need a 261 Thread. Here's a link to one on the HAMB.
261 LINK

Hi Hunterdude . . .

Tim's Trucks page has a got a great write up on 261 identification and addresses the captains bars controversy:
The Forgotten 261

I particularly like the detailed tech tips around the changes to top end oiling system: Rocker Arm and Lifter Oiling

BTW 261 engines never used poured babbit bearings . . . though technically insert bearings "bearing surfaces" are made of babbit material.

regards,
stock49

Tim's site and links helped with the argument. My code is: a 12 4. It has an 850 head and short shaft water pump. Captains bars left of distributor and below the manifolds on the left side block. Seems like its an early 54 261. I am hoping that my 1949 216 flywheel will seat. It is a tight fit lining up the three posts on the crank. Can't get it to seat all the way on the posts. I don't want to force it. Thank you for your patience. All of the information provided is real good. Thank you.

Shouldn't need to force it. As I understand it the flywheel crank flange pattern was unchanged from '40 to '62. Should bolt right up.

Also, steam holes in an 848 head on a 261 between the fenders of a car seem an optional affair:
ChevyTalk apparently they were added with a heavily loaded 2 ton truck in mind . . . so perhaps unnecessary in a hot rod.

I believe that there is posting here on Inliners that warns that the steam hole drilling process needs to be approached with care (as the holes are not drilled squarely due to available material in the 848 casting). Apparently getting the angle just right can be tricky.

Found it: Inliners circa '13 apparently the holes need to be drilled at a 12 degree angle to hit the water jackets.

Thanks for the links. Just what I needed.