Gramps put a 261 in his 50 business coupe and always bragged it would pull a certain hill in top gear which none of the Ford V8s could do. That was a long time ago.
I never saw "Supposedly" myself, in the world of Chevrolet L6's and it not be a 261. But it well could be out there somewhere.
That 'Big Bolt' has vintage car hauler written all over it. The motor would be a score for sure...but I'd snag the whole package if I were you. Throw the 261 in whatever you'd like and go with a nice 427 in the truck and go find some more old cars!
The radiator date code is "56 L" meaning the 12th month of 1956; therefore, you likely have the original radiator to that 1957 truck.
I can confirm that this is a original 261 six. Great find. Hard to locate and when you find a good one it isn't cheap. I have one in a car I built and it isn't any slouch. Congratulations. Normbc9
Well, no, all you have to do is slide the radiator in with the mouting ears to the front of the cradle instead of to the rear as original. This if the car is using the 49-51 front mount. Gives about an inch on the fan with a stock, untouched water pump. A little harder to bolt down is all. My '50 came that way from an install someone did probably before I was born. 235 and 261 use a bypass oil filter, it takes some monkeying to convert them to put all the oil through the filter every time, but can be done. Is about the only disadvantage to them. But I'd check it for cracks, if they're not drained properly they can crack inside the block.
Charset 1/30 -html- Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:29:55 -0500 (EST) From: [email protected] Subject: Re: 261/235 Rod: Most guys think that only the 261 had captains bars, not so, we have seen several engines that had the captains bars that we not 261's. Someone has perpetuated that info. That is why we always have guys look at the casting numbers that we have in the catalogue so they do not have a catastrophe in thinking that they have a 261. The above is extract from email that I received from Patricks yesterday. So yep, I was wrong (not the first or last time). Some 235s also have captains bars. Cheers and merry Christmas Rod
I already said that. You fuckers need to start listening, or there will be no Christmas for any of you.
I for 1 don't mind being wrong - But "WRONG" sure don't taste good! So I am warning you right now - - I am keeping my Apple!!
Well guys I gonna go down to the wrecking yard friday and get some # and more pictures and put this to rest. Glad to see this topic go off on its own. LOL
Fuck, you are being a bit tough on me,, only posted to say "sorry" Please tell Santa to forgive me Cheers Rod
Ok heres some # by the diss, I couldnt make out the # by the starter. Its hard to make out first number/letter I also fired it up--video
Mate, save yourself some grief and email those pics of to Patricks [email protected] Also www.patricksantiquecars.com Aint gonna get any easier Rod
The stamped number you show does not look like the usual. You may have a replacement block there. The casting number could very well be under the motor mount on the distributor side of the engine in small cast numbers. Or, just above the pan flange behind the plate the holds the timing gear cover. Again in small cast numbers. That stamped number should begin with an F or a T which tells where the engine was manufactured. The XM suffix I find listed for only a 235. <a href="http://www.1954advance-design.com/Web%20images/casting-code-photos/codes-ser-nums.html" target="_blank">http://www.1954advance-design.com/Web images/casting-code-photos/codes-ser-nums.html http://www.1954advance-design.com/Web images/261-engine/index.htm
The crankcase ventilation tube with PCV and the intake manifold fitting, thermostat housing, bypass oil filter and Captain bars look like an early 261 engine. The serial number looks like 'S' for Assembly plant St. Louis, Missouri on Sept. 15th. The XM suffix is a bit of a mystery. I only have notes showing X and XG for 235 engines but can't find any XM designation. The letter X was used until 1956 for engine serial numbers. The last number of the casting date is visible in your second photo and it looks like a 5 meaning 1955. Which matches the 261 oil bypass filter of that year. Btw: 235 was standard equipment for 2 ton trucks and the 261 was optional heavy duty.
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