261 head swap

[62stepside longbox]

I have a 261 in my truck and I am looking to add some performance without spending too much money. I have heard of people putting a 235 head on a 261 to raise compression. There is a guy close to me selling a running 216 for really cheap and I was wondering if a 216 head would work on a 261?

[TJ's Chevy]

I'm pretty sure putting a 216 head on would make things worse. I'm taking valve and port size. A 235 head should be ok. I'd leave the stock head on and just have it shaved .030. That'll make a little difference. More fuel and split exhaust would help as well. The 1st gen 6 cylinders are hard to increase for performance. You'd be better off with a 250 or 292. MANY more options for those.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

I'm pretty sure putting a 216 head on would make things worse. I'm taking valve and port size. A 235 head should be ok. I'd leave the stock head on and just have it shaved .030. That'll make a little difference. More fuel and split exhaust would help as well. The 1st gen 6 cylinders are hard to increase for performance. You'd be better off with a 250 or 292. MANY more options for those.

will a 216 head even fit a 261?
ron

[MitchFloyd]

A 216 head wont work. But a 235 [848] series head will if you have a machine shop drill the steam holes. Do a search on stovebolt and you'll find all kinds of info.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by padresag

will a 216 head even fit a 261?
ron

I'm not sure. It would have to be a later 216 for sure. But like said I think it would be a waste of effort.