[Bob Carriere]

Hi Phil

That is a good find...... you may be able just to deglaze the bore and use as is...... get the head done right if you want to get the most out the 261 inches. what is the serial number on the head.... should be cast raised near the manifold..... if it end in XXXX848 you have an even better head... if not check the other engine....... 848 will gove you slightly better compression and breathing..... usually found on 235 but you have to remember to drill the steam holes in the head to match the hole in the 261 block..... use the had gasket has a template.

You will need to replace those old oil part metal part rubber lines..... do not be tempted to use rubber lines dirtectly out of the block.... they come so close to the exhaust pipe they willnot last and probably pop catastrophically while the engine is hot and at high speed. Best bet to replace is to save the metal part and visit a friendly farm dealer who will make you the rubber sections to your requirements.

I intend to use the old hot rodder twin Fram PH 8 spin on filter bracket mounted insisde the frame and hidden by an OD painted sheet metal shield. Easy to service, no need to bath yourself in hot engine oil everytime you change them and they are $3.95 each at any auto parts store.

THe caution about the FULLFLOW is very appropriate.... it would be so easy to instal two pipe plugs to see if it will run..... deadly.

The big question is ..... how will the 261 water pump fit lenght wise...... you can save an inch by pushing the fan blade flange deeper on the shaft then cutting the shaft..... leave enough shaft to help locate the fan blade. Do you have the 261 5 blade fan..?

Do you have the carb..... need a big one for the 261 to breathe effectively....

Remember..... if you intend to increase the compression, you need to lower the deck height of the block as only a bare minimum can be shaved form the heads....

Keep me posted as my engine has yet to sit in the cab 11 frame....

Bob