Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 235 or 261???

A friend of mine donated a chevy engine to me it is either a 235 or a 261. According to the date code it was manufactured in 1956. How can I tell if it is a 235 or 261?
Thanks.

Dear Rusty;

See if there are 'Captians Bars' 2 vertical lines cast in the block by/above the starter. The 261's have those.

Also check the casting # on the board to the left.

Good luck, John M....

Dont rely completely on the captains bars - I have a 235 with captains bars on it. The block casting number is the only real guarantee I think.

Thanks for the replys.
What casting #'s signify the 261....where can I find a list?

Great.... thanks.