Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines chevy 261?

Guys I'm restoring a 38 chevy 4 door sedan and my grandpa says I need to ditch the 216 motor that was running before we stripped the car apart. I'm hoping to find a 261 to replace the 216 with cause I've heard you can use the same engine mounts and it still has a cool traditional look. Does anyone know where I could get one?

I've been lookin in junk yards and online without any luck yet. I'm tempted to just rebuild my 216 but my grandpa is teasing me to just get a small block 350! I can't give in guys, I want to find a 261 and blow him off the line in his 51 Merc!

There is one on Ebay in Minnesota it's listed as a 235 but if you look at the picture it is a 261 . item number 183510014163

Other than that all the 50 series chevy farm trucks and larger had 261 engines. There is some info on this site that will tell you what to look for.
I am currently building one for a future project , not sure if i would part with it or not.

Thanks that's good info. I'm gonna try some more junk yard searches I know these motors are getting hard to find and I might not be able to afford what people are wanting for them.

Look for the same water pump mount as your 216. Later version 261s had water pump mounted in a different location. (not as much of a bolt in swap) They make an adapter for the later style but just keep an eye out for the correct style.

Welcome to our forums. Tell us more about your restoration goals. A 261 is a great upgrade. But for a bone-stock 4-door cruiser why 'ditch' the existing running engine?

I've been going back and forth about keeping the 216 or not. My grandpa and a lot of guys at the car shows told me not to waste my time putting the 216 back into the car. I do like it when multiple carbs are used on 261's and beefed up with the old style. Is it worth it to keep the 216? What are your thoughts?

Well if you read any of my other postings you find that I have warm spot in my heart for the 216. Contrary to popular belief they can be hopped up but there are limits to revving because of the connecting rod lubrication.

But a critical part of the decision to invest into rebuilding/modifying a 'particular' engine is starting with something you know. I drove my 216 for 6 years before I pulled it and modified it. Rebuilding an inline six of any type is more expensive then a V8 build. Parts for SBC are ubiquitous and therefore cheap. Finding a machinist that will work on an antique can also be a challenge.

So my thought is why not just cleanup the 216 - put a coat of paint on it and put it back. It runs! Now your available funds can be focused on anything else that the car needs to be made road worthy and presentable.

Once complete now you can drive it around and enjoy it while you hunt for a reasonably priced 261 core.

Thanks for your advice my only issue is I've got the car completely stripped down to the frame and I'd like to build it up and keep it the same way for a while. If I go with my old 216 there's quite a bit of parts i'd have to buy to make it run well and then if I'm planning to change it later it might be wasted effort.

Lots of guys build pretty impressive 235s. If you were up here in Canada, the 261 would be much easier to find since most Pontiacs here came with the 261. All the same stuff fits both 235 and 261, but if you're running an a limited budget and don't want the 216, I'm sure it would be a lot easier to find a 235. I have a 235 sitting over in the corner. Another option is search the entire country for the engine and have it shipped by Fastenal. I bought one in Iowa and had it shipped to NY for about $200. You might find one cheap in a broader sweep.

Warren

James usually has 261 parts and blocks. Try giving him a call. His number is on his website, here: JJ Inlines

Which ever engine you decide on please stick around here and keep us up on your build. Is your goal to smoke your dad's Merc? What engine is in it? If he has gone the 350-350 route, so popular with dads now days, You'll be hard presses to impress him with a six. It can be done but it's not cheap. You will probably have to think about the rest of the drive train. Now what you will be doing has nothing to do with anything that could be called a restoration. We're with you!
If the 261 or 235 you find has the long water pump you'll likely need to move the radiator forward. If you do that it opens engine choices up a lot to include the GMCs and the 250-292 later sixes which all still have that vintage inline look. If the mere still has a flathead he's toast!

His merc does have a flat head and its cool, but we'll smoke him! Thanks for all your help guys I'll try and post some pictures and i'm sure i'll be after more advice!