How much horsepower does a 1949 Chevy 3100 have?
The 1949 Chevy 3100 produced about 92 horsepower from its inline-six engine.
In 1949, Chevrolet’s light-duty pickups—part of the Advance-Design era—were powered by a 216.5 cubic inch inline-six, commonly known as the Stovebolt Six, which was rated at roughly 92 horsepower by the standards of the day. That figure represents gross horsepower, a measurement used at the time, and real-world performance depended on factors such as gearing, weight, and drivetrain condition. Below is a breakdown of the key horsepower-related details for the model.
Engine and horsepower in the 1949 Chevy 3100
Before listing the core numbers, note that the horsepower figure hinges on the engine’s displacement and design as used in the 1949 3100.
- Displacement: 216.5 cubic inches (3.55 liters).
- Engine type: Inline-six, known as the Stovebolt Six.
- Horsepower: 92 horsepower (gross SAE rating).
- Application: Used in the 1949 Chevy 3100 light-duty trucks.
The published horsepower reflects the era’s gross-rating standards, not the modern net horsepower figures riders might expect today. Drivetrain weight and gearing also influenced how the power felt in everyday use.
Historical context and how horsepower is viewed today
Horsepower figures from 1949 were measured as gross horsepower, which does not account for drivetrain losses. Modern comparisons use net horsepower, resulting in lower numbers. For owners and restorers, that means the 92 hp rating is accurate to the period, while actual on-road performance will vary with condition and configuration of the vehicle.
Notes on measurement standards
When discussing vintage Chevy trucks, it’s important to distinguish the 1949 gross horsepower figure from later net horsepower ratings and to consider practical factors like gearing and weight when estimating real-world performance.
Summary
The 1949 Chevy 3100 delivered about 92 horsepower from its 216.5 cubic inch inline-six, a figure representative of the era’s gross horsepower ratings. While modest by today’s standards, it supported practical daily use and dependable service in the truck’s original role.
