Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 261 into 53 truck questions

Hi, I have recently got my 53 cranked up to find it is extrmely noisy in the lower end...I have a 58 model 261 that is a runner..I had read some posts last year on swapping these two but cant seem to find all I need. I Iknow I can use the adapter plate to bolt my old style water pump to the 261 and use the 3/8 belt with the '58 261 harmonic balancer which has a 1/2 belt, will just sit further down in the groove. I will aslo switch over my electronic dizzy and alternator, new fuel pump(I hope) . My main questions are of the motor to bellhousing and the front motor mount. Will thi s bolt to my existing bellhousing and clutch? thanks, hans

Dear Hans;

Yes; use the 'adapter plate' for the water pump, with your 'old' dampner, so the pulleys/belt will match and look orginal.

The bell housing/flywheel/clutch will fit too and all the (clutch) linkage will be the same, as well.

An Alternator is only needed for AC.

You'll need the trottle linkage off a 57-58 (era) truck though.

Good luck.

will the throttle linkage be the same on the 58 donar truck even if it is a big Viking 2 plus ton truck?

is there anything I should do to the clutch to upgrade it? The motor is stock now, but I will be adding the dual carbs and headers from the other motor. Is the head off my 53 model motor a good choice to rebuild and put in the 261 for increased compression?

You may be able to use your orginal throttle linkage, try it first. There both from trucks.

A 1953 1/2 Ton truck probably has an 11" clutch, so It's okay if in good condition. Check the 'pilot & realease" bearings though.

I'm not 110% sure on the 53 head switch. Use the 58 if you have one that's good. The heads probably interchange, but there may be a difference in the rocker oiling. Best to keep those (engine parts) from the same era.

You'll have a complete 53 to sell someone that want's to lose a 216, as well.

Happy trails.

The '53 is a splasher isn't it? I'd keep the head off of the 261.

yup, 53 is a splasher. I guess I could by a 848 head and redo that one. Would just like to get more comresion and can put in hardended seats as well.

Doesn't have the 848 head? Just bolt it up to the existing bellhousing. I'm not sure if you need to use the flywheel off of the 235. And same starter. You'll have to get that info from someone who is familiar with that year. Good luck. Sounds like a nice swap.