That does make sense especially with the short water pump and the front mount. It will bolt right in where the 216 was without having to move the radiator. If you have to move the radiator you may as well go with a 270 or 302.
In the '60s I put a 261 in a '40 Chevy pickup. It had a Corvette intake with 3 carbs. I don't remember the exact issue but the left front hood latch would not quite close. Those were long side drafts and I don't remember what air cleaners I was using. It was the fastest street light to streetlight car I have ever owned. Highway? Not so much.
I don't remember moving the radiator on that one. Maybe it was one of these engines or maybe it had a 235 in it when I got it.
