Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Engine Torque Rating for 261 Chevrolet

Is there some book, webpage or other source for the horse power/torque curves of a stock 261 Chevrolet engine. The only source I've found is the Chevrolet restoration pack. I found the 216 and old (Babbit bearing) 235 ratings in my 1952 Chevy restoration pack. Problem is, I'm restoring a 52 and am puting in a 58 engine. I don't have a 1958 vin to get a new restoration pack. Do any of you by chance have one? Is there a webpage with this info?

Thanks

Most of the specs are the same as the 235" engines of that era.

The basic difference is the bore and the 'steam holes' in the head. This was Cheverolet(s) last truck/bus engine before they re-did it all in l962 for the l963 model year.

There are (green) Motors Manuals in most public librarys that will have that info. Also; you could check with Patrick's/Langton's for more. You would need casting # for them to help etc.

Good luck, John M., #3370

The restoration packs usually cover light duty trucks; the 261 was a heavy truck engine so will probably not be included. My 1958 shop manual shows 150 hp @4000 RPM for the 261 vs 145 hp @ 4200 RPM for the 235 - no torque figures were published.

My restoration pack covered every model I thought existed for 1952, from model 3102 thru the Model 6802 bus Chassis. I assumed all restoration packs were the same. Thanks for the tip on the (green) Motors Manuals. I'll have to check next time I'm there.

I have that green manuel they are talking about. It is a 1961 Motors manuel. It shows a 1958 to 1961 261 as 235 ft. Lbs torque at 2000 rpm. The 235 shows 217 ft lbs at 2000rpm.