265 or Bigger?

[youngerestorer]

Has anyone rebuilt their 265 cid? Does it have enough power to go on the freeway and can you tow jet skis (2000 lbs)? Or would it just be better to drop a 350 in it and store the 265? Thanks for your help!

[Chevette]

I had a 265 in a 55 sedan delivery and it was a good engine. They are all rpm and not a ton of torque. If you stay with it, make sure you install an oil filter system on it because the stock 265 has no external oil filter. I eventually broke the crank in mine, but I was younger then and usually beat on it fairly hard.

[OrrieG]

I love the old sbc's you can rev the beans out of them. But I replaced the 283 with a 350 this time around in mine, just to get more bottom end torque in the hills. 283 did fine, especially on the high ways. I carried a 600# camper filled with camping and hunting stuff and never had any problems. I'd load it to the top of the bed with fire wood and construction debris and it did fine. It will pull 2K ok, just get the right hitch. If the 265 needs bored you will find the replacement pistions are a lot more expensive than 350 pistons. I bought a cheap bored 283 short block so I would have a set for my 64 chevelle rebuild (keeping the numbers matching engine).

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The 265 will run on down the highway but pulling 2000 lbs. I would go for a 350. I just bought a new Goodwrench 350 for my 56 to change from a 6 cyl.