[Bob Carriere]

I had the same intention as you Bob of installing the original 1959 modern fully synchro 4 speed but found it would not fit the tight space between the tranny and T case so reverted back to a NON synchro CMP tranny. I assume you have spare CMP 4 speed to install or let me know...

On the water pump...... please look at it very carefully...... you may be able to get away with and fit a short shaft 261 water pump but the location of the fan willbe very low on your radiator and MAY cause some cooling problem.... the 216 water pump installed with an adapter plate will raise and center your fan much better. It will require that you drill and tap your 261 block and is much easier to do with the engine out of the CMP. We have done two conversion at the Barn and are very please with the installation.

We were fortunate enough to locate two 6 blades 216 gun tractor fans which really suck air through the radiator.

Phil's point of matching pulley size is crucial to prevent the jet engine sound and to prevent cavitation from too fast spinning of the water pump. Pulleys also come in various belt width size..... I am running a 7/8 wide belt with matching pulleys including one for the alternator which was easy to procure at a MF tractor dealer...along with the belt.

What are you doing with the oil filter system???? Don't forget .....DO NOT RUN your engine without a filter connected or a temporary bypass external line between the oil outlet and oil intake as you will fry your engine.

I choose to install a dual PH 8 spin on filters set up hidden inside the side frame and had 1/2 lines fabricated to hook it up. I like the extra oil capacity as it doubles for the cooling of the engine.

Would be nice if you showed us some pictures of your beast!!!

Cheers