216 to 261 swap

Before you guys it I all ready searched but couldnt a definitive answer. Will swapping in a 261 out of a 57 truck be the same as dropping in a 235. What I mean is what do I have to do for this motor to bolt into my car, without to much hassle. Thanks guys if you can answer my question.

 

Same block, bigger bore. That's the beauty of Chevrolets, easy swapping!

 

Same as the 235. I'm doing this right now myself. Mine's going in my '53 Chevy pickup...what are you putting your 261 in?

Your black sedan in your avatar?

 

If it's going in your '51...you've got side engine-mounts, correct? Even though I'll be using the front engine-mount for my truck, I noticed that my '54 "Jobmaster" 261 will also accept the side-mounts. Does yours?

 

My 51 has the front style engine mount and it looks like the 261 does also.

 

Oh. I used to have a '52 Chevy sedan years ago. If I remember correctly, it had side-mounts. I thought the '51 and '52 was the same...guess not. I can't keep all this stuff straight...or I'm just getting senile, and can't remember correctly...a definite possibility.

Anyway...sounds like you're gonna have no problem. Enjoy the new-found power of your 261.

 

Sounds like its pretty much bolt in. Will I really notice a difference in power?

 

Hell yes, you'll notice a difference. You won't be smokin' the tires, but you'll definitely be "chirping" them. LOL. 45 more cubic inches, and the 261 has a bit of a higher-lift stock cam than the 235 too. I think the valves are a little bigger too...don't quote me on that though. You might look into Patrick's Saginaw conversion for your trans as well...much better drivability due to better gear ratios in first and second. He also has new 3:55 gears for your rear axle...unless you already have that. Is yours standard shift or automatic? standard shift=4:11 gears, auto=3:55 gears. A standard shift with 3:55 ring and pinion makes for a great driver.

BTW...real nice looking '51.

 

The only problem would be the 57 motor has a longer water pump. Usually what I do with these is drive the fan hub back on the shaft and then cut the excess off of the shaft, then use a shallower pulley.

 

Its a 3 speed car so its got the 4:11s in it. The 261 should bolt to my trans right?

 

I wasn't aware of that. Thanks, fordcrager! Good to know before dropping it into the vehicle! I wonder if the water-pump from the same-year 235 is a bolt-on to the 261.

 

Absolutely. Use your original bellhousing, but use the flywheel that hopefully came with the 261.

 

Thanks so much for answering my questions. Yes its a complete motor and trans from fan to tailshaft and air cleaner to oil pan

 

Sorry one last question do you I use the 216 clutch disc or the 261 stuff.

 

I believe the clutch-disc and pressure-plates are the same, and interchange. But...the 261 was in large trucks, so the pressure-plate might be a little heavier duty...not sure. For the disc, just make sure it fits the splines on the input-shaft of your car's trans., and you'll be good.

Don't be sorry for asking questions...that's what we're all hear for. And I don't believe for a second, that this was your last question!...LOL. (maybe last question for tonight)

BTW...if you want to talk to someone who really knows this stuff inside and out...call Patrick's. He's a great guy, as is his staff...always willing to help. If a female answers, don't be put off, thinking she doesn't know stuff...she does! Good luck with everything. If you'd like, send me a PM sometime soon, and we can share info. - Rick

 

If the 261 is like the 57 235 then you can order a waterpump thats been shortened with a different pulley from chevs of the 40s. Thats what i did to get the 58 235 into my 54. also remember that if you use the front motor mounts you have to have the bell housing with the side mounts to stabilize the whole assembly. not just the normal rear trans mounts like my 54 has. not sure what a 51 is set up like

 

Good points, Adam. Since the '51 apparently uses the single front mount, and the original bellhousing is going to be used, there'll be no problem though.

 

The water pumps are easy to shorten, finding a shallow pulley would probably be the hardest part of the job.

 

I used a Y-block water pump pulley - same bolt-pattern

 

is a 216 the same as a 235 and 261 though?

 

From the standpoint of doing a swap - yes.

 

sorry i meant the bell housing pattern. should have been more specific.

 

Im hoping the bellhousing pattern is the same havent checked it yet. So if anyone knows for ure I would appreciate it.

 

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/engine_swap_216.htm

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/motormount_235.html

 

This is good info. You may also want to jump over to ChevyTalk.Org, the 49-54 forums; you'll get all you questions anwered there, and there is a sticky at the lead-in to the forum on engine swaps. Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

What was the outcome of this one? I know it's been a few (5) years but this is the first thread that popped up. Since this is my favorite site, I figured I'd kick it back off for those thinking of doing the same. Im trying to get things figured out for when my '51s 235 kicks the bucket. I was thinking full pressure 235 but if the 261 will accept all of my bolt ons from my current motor than I'm going that route instead.