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.

Last edited by Hunterdude; 03/04/15 04:59 PM.