I am going to be swapping the stock Babbit 235 from my 1952 Chevy Coupe with a 261. It is a Powerglide car. The swap seems pretty straight forward or am I missing something? Does anyone have advice or tips for me? Thanks
what year is the 261? unless its a '54 or '55 first series engine, you will have motor mount and water pump issues when installing in a '52-54 car.
I am not sure on the year. I will be picking the engine up next weekend and can check the casting numbers then.
Picked the 261 up from a fellow HAMBER this weekend. The casting #'s on the block are 3733950, so I assume it is a 54. The Babbit 235 in the car now has a front motor mount and side mounts as well. The 261 doesn't have the holes for the side mounts. I see where they can be drilled and tapped. Is it necessary or is the front mount enough?
Are you sure it's a babbit bearing 235? I thought sidemounts didn't start on the motors until 1958. If that's the case, it should be an insert bearing motor. Shawn
There should just be the 3 bolt side mounts and a mount under the transmission on '52-54 cars. '52-551st series truck engines often did not drill and tap the 3 side bolts as the trucks didn't need them. They mounted under the timing chain cover. There should not be two sets of front mounts on your car. If you were to use the '49-51 style mounting off the front motor plate, then you will also need to add the '49-51 style side mounts on the bellhousing. Without these "training wheels" on it and just a mount under the front of the motor and under the trans, it will torque over too much.
How can I tell if the Rochester on the engine is the original for 261 or if it is a 235 carb? Thanks to all for the other input.
The Jalopy Journal
