I got a 261, because it was there...not sure yet of it's condition, it's stuck, but no rust in bores, still standard size, looks like it's been overhauled once. I'll get it on a stand and the pan off soon and see why it doesn't turn. But the numbers are interesting. The block casting number was used from 58-62 according to online sources, and the LB suffix was used from 60-62 according my 1969 Chevy truck parts book. but the casting date March 21, 1964 is kind of baffling. Perhaps they were still casting new replacement blocks that late? The stovebolt pretty much went away after 1962.
261's never came in passenger cars except for canada built Pontiacs. they were used in 2 ton trucks and busses. according to this site. they cast repl blocks until 64 but those are supposed to have a blank serial pad... http://devestechnet.com/home/thevenerable261
Possibly an engine out of a Canadian Poncho ? pontiac in Canada used the 261 as a premium engine into the early 60’s not sure for how long , 62-63 possibly longer . the big three did funny things up here in maple syrup county
I don't think it's Canadian, it has a normal US type number stamp. Although missing the engine plant letter, as far as I can tell.
My son had a 64 dated 261, that we sold here on the Hamb. I questioned an old Chevrolet parts man about the discrepancy, and he told me that Chevrolet Service had new engines available even after the model year in which they were discontinued. These were available for over-the-counter sales and for warrantee purposes. I know that Chevrolet also sold engines to farm equipment manufacturers (think irrigation systems, combines, swathers etc.).
I have a 64 model 261 also in my Chevy. 261 production stopped in 1962 but GM made replacement and warranty 261s until 1964. If I remember right there is no serial number stamped on block tab.
The number stamped on the block on mine looks legit, it's the right production date for the casting date, and the correct suffix for an early 60s 60 series truck engine. I would not be surprised if some were stamped and some were not.
Not totally relevant but around 1978 when I was a teenager I was getting the 235 rebuilt in my 57 Chevy , after going to a couple different junk yards with my Dad to find a non cracked head and just finding Junk The Machine shop owner said he could maybe buy a new one....A month or so later a brand new one showed up from brazil packed in straw in a wooden crate
From what I have read the blocks without SNs from the factory were supposed to be dealer struck for tracking warranty replacements.
http://devestechnet.com/home/thevenerable261 Some reading on the 261 engines. Even talks about no serial number blocks.
I can’t say for sure on the 64 date code, I do know G.M. cast and sold 6 cylinder Corvette exhaust manifolds until at least 1959 so it is possible. If it is a 58-62 style it should have holes tapped for 1/2” pipe thread for the full flow full pressure oil filter.
It does have the big oil filter holes, they're plugged. The dowel is in the "out" position, so it's set up now for a bypass filter.
A few years ago, I found a brand new 235 engine at a local junk yard. I paid 400 bucks for it. It was made in Brazil. I did a little research and found that they were still making them and used many of them for racing. I'm sure some of the 261 engines made their way over here, too. The new 235 is now residing in my neighbors' '50 Chevy pickup. Edit: The info I uncovered said that the 235 engines were still produced in Brazil until 1980. True? Who knows.
In 1968 I asked the Pocatello Chevrolet dealer's road salesman to get me a Corvette exhaust manifold, as if I thought he could ... in about 3 weeks, he walked in the shop with a yellow & black box & an invoice for $21.40 ... he said it was the last one in GM inventory. 10 years later I loaned it to a ''friend" who moved to Colorado with it ...
That should have read at until at least 1959, I was trying to get it typed and posted before the end of the morning break at mark.
fwiw, I got the engine apart, it spun a rod bearing. Also, the head was cast a week before the block, I guess it was sold as a complete engine.
OH MY! I wonder why it spun the bearing? I still have to drop the pan on my engine to check things out. While I have no indication the flathead has any issues ..... it runs well with good oil pressure .... I just need to see what kind of sludge it has in the pan before I drive it.
In '63 I bought my first '55 Delray. When I took it apart it looked just like your engine. The previous owner was so proud that they always changed the oil. Pennsoil was notorious for clogging up engines and that what he had used. I asked him how often or how many miles he had changed the oil. He couldn't remember. You've got an interesting project Squirrel and waiting to see what you put it in.
My dad put a 261 in my Grannie's 52 Chevy coupe... and to save some weight, REMOVED THE PAN BAFFLE!!!... every time he accelerated he could hear the oil starvation, so he pulled the engine back out, and it sat for umpteen years until he gave it to me- that's the same one that has n 848 head ported and polished by a young Jiggs Jenkins
Well, the crankshaft is the same as a 235, so it shouldn't be tough to make it a useable engine again
We'll see what happens. I don't have any serious plans for it....you know how stuff just shows up, and you get to deal with it.
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