Was talking to a gentleman on Sunday who has done according to himself over 80 cars, mostly Pontiacs and Cadillac. He said the 261-6 in a Poncho was a faster car than the 283 V8. Not the first time I've heard this either.
A member on here Al Taylor explained it before. The rear axle ratio for the 6 was something like 3.31 and the V8 was higher like 2.56. The six had almost as much torque and power so the combination helped the 6 be quicker.
I remember my old 261 3 speed stick in a 62 being pretty good against my 64 Impala 283 with a powerglide. I didn't own them at the same time but it felt faster! I think the 261 was harder on gas also.
All I can tell you about my 62 Parisienne when it had the 261 & cast iron PG: I once had it up to 90 MPH and it had more left in it. I just didn't want to drive a40+ year old car with drum brakes any faster, so I dropped back to 70. It's a great engine. I plan to put it in something else.
