Technical Chev 235/261 or red Holden 6

I am building a 1941 Chev Truck. The engine choice has me going around in circles. One thing I know it will be a 6 cylinder. I am from Australia which changes things a little when it comes to parts. I am thinking about building up a 261 Chev engine. These engines are an old design and hot up parts are not that common around here. As the truck is a Holden assembled truck it does not seem that far out of character to slip a Holden 6 in.

I am loosing a bit in capacity but I can get a 12 port head, and heaps of performance gear for these old motors.

I am after an educated opinion, which will be cheaper to get reliable power out of. My mind tells me the extra 59CI (corrected from CC) of the chev motor should put it in front but on the other hand the 202 has a strong following.

Thanks Steve

 

If money is no object, build the 261". Since you're in OZ and money is usually an object, the Holden makes a lot more sense. Dress it right and it will be fine.

jack vines

 

I know I have a tendency to have long pockets but short arms. I know there will be only a small number of people that have played with both engines. The 202 Holden is no power house in standard configuration but I sort of know what to expect. A 261 is a complete unkown. I have only driven this truck as a 216 and that was as a kid often carting hay where speed was not required. I realise I will be spending money but I want to spend it well.

 

I'd hate to bust your balloon but the Holden six will move it along but not very well. You're gunna need something with longer legs. A big Chev six would be better but my choice would be an early Holden 253 or 308. I've used 253s in several vehicles over the years and they are good for towing with plenty of torque which is what you're going to need. Don't go the LS route because you will have to muck around with a computer and lack of style.
( Yes I'm a died in the wool Holden fan)

 

59cc, not an issue, but I think you mean cubic inches!

 

Thanks spanners, my balloon is not busted, it has been 25 years since I owned a 202 and I suspected it may be to small. It is cheaper to ask than to buy and find out later. I have always been a 6 cylinder type of bloke. First car, 265 Hemi, had 232 Rambler, 245 Hemi, 202 Holden, 250 Ford and multiple 4.0 Fords. The other engine that is off topic that I had half thought about is a Toyota 2F as it would not look out of place and there are quite a few around. The Ford Barra engine is a great engine but it would not suit the truck at all.

 

You are correct 59CI. Steve

 

Easier to get your paws on a 235 Blue flame, it will bolt straight in and up to your existing gearbox without too many mods. They come up when the Go Fast boys rip them out and install a V8. You won't do any wheelstands but it will get you along at a good clip. Red 202 is easy to find, but a little on the small side unless you bore and stroke it, and the Chev 261 is difficult to find here. The 261should bolt up to your bell housing .