261 head swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

62stepside longbox · 08-23-2015, 06:50 PM

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** · 08-23-2015, 11:38 PM

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 · 08-24-2015, 12:04 AM

Quote:

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 · 08-24-2015, 10:08 AM

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** · 08-24-2015, 10:22 AM

Quote:

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.

08-23-2015, 06:50 PM	#1
62stepside longbox Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Kelowna, B.C, Canada Posts: 1,747	261 head swap 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?

08-23-2015, 11:38 PM	#2
TJ's Chevy Post Whore Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 10,384	Re: 261 head swap 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. __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 "Project Two Tone" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596643 1964 GMC "Crustine" semi-build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=665056 My youtube channel. Username "Military Chevy": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_h...fzpcUXyK_5-uiw

08-24-2015, 10:08 AM	#4
MitchFloyd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 286	Re: 261 head swap 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. __________________ '62 Chevy K10



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