Boring out a '54 235(?)

Getting my hands on a '54 235 long block to go into the '52. My question to you "6'ers": Is there any reason not to carve some inches out of this block while it's at the machine shop? Maybe go to 261 or something? I'm just not sure if there's any issues to doing this...

Any and all help appreciated!

-ns

 

Guys used to bore them .125 (for 252 cubic inches) with no problem, but trying for 261 would involve a .1875 overbore, and that's asking for a flood.

 

thanks HEATHEN, I was hoping you would jump in (haven't seen you on here for awhile)! no floods... I'm looking to make things better not worse. so, I guess the 261 is made from a different block (one with more "girth")?

-ns

 

Yep, 261 is a whole different block.

 

This months Hot Rod Deluxe has a nice article on a 235 build-up. Some good info.