216 - 235 - 265 compatibility questions

[TheQuicksilver]

So, in my 53 Chevy, there's been some work done beofre I bought it. The original 216 was swapped out for a 265, but with a 235 head put on it. This has left me somewhat in a quandry, as I need to do some various work, such as replacing gaskets and rebuilding carbs, but I'm not sure how to figure out what parts I'm supposed to be buying.

Would the carb be a 235 or 265 carb? Are the head gaskets 235 or 265? I'm basically trying to figure out the formula for which parts to be buying?

Can anyone offer some helpful advice?

[Bigblue29]

How do you know for sure you've got a 265?

[TheQuicksilver]

I am going purely off what the previous owner told me, I have not been afforded the chance yet to actually run the block number to be sure of that. Obviously, that would be an important thing to check prior to ordering parts, but I just would like to be prepared one way or the other once I know.

[dwcsr]

If its got a 235 head then the motor can only be a 235 or a 261. 265 is a V8. what is the casting number on the block and head? It could be a 261 bored to 265. The carb would most likely be for a 235.

[Bigblue29]

Originally Posted by TheQuicksilver

I am going purely off what the previous owner told me, I have not been afforded the chance yet to actually run the block number to be sure of that. Obviously, that would be an important thing to check prior to ordering parts, but I just would like to be prepared one way or the other once I know.

Thats exactly why I asked. I was told i had a 292. But the PO was wrong. I have a 55-62 235. They all look similar but have small differences. Sometimes buying a frankenstein has its draw backs, but its all good once you figure out what you've got!

[TheQuicksilver]

Sorry, you're also absolutely right dwcsr, I meant 261, not 265. Confused myself reading my catalog today which kept mentioning the 265 V8. Which does beg the interesting point though that why is it you always see parts listed for 216s and 235s, but never for 261s?

[dwcsr]

261 was in 2 ton and above and school buses.

[TheQuicksilver]

Awesome, loving the background info on the engine sizes! Thanks a lot. Gonna pull the block number first thing tomorrow. Anyone know a good reference source for cross checking block casting numbers? The Google is failing me for one that goes back that far.

[OrrieG]

Look over at Stovebolt.com, they are more stock truck orientated and I think have a vin buster FAQ for decoding numbers.