How much horsepower does a 1966 Biscayne have?
The horsepower figure for a 1966 Biscayne isn’t a single number. It ranged from about 140 horsepower with the base inline-six to roughly 425 horsepower with a top-end big-block, depending on the exact engine installed and how horsepower was measured at the time.
Engine options and horsepower in 1966
To understand the numbers, it helps to know which engines were available and how Chevrolet rated power in that era. The 1966 Biscayne could be ordered with a variety of powerplants, from economical six-cylinders to robust V8s. Here are the common options and their approximate horsepower figures.
- 230 cu in inline-6: about 140 hp (gross rating).
- 283 cu in V8: roughly 195 hp, with higher-output configurations around the 200 hp mark depending on carburetion and tuning.
- 327 cu in V8: about 250–275 hp, with 2-barrel and 4-barrel setups producing different outputs.
- 396 cu in V8: in the mid-300s, typically around 325–360 hp depending on cam and carburation.
- 427 cu in V8: top-end power that could reach roughly 390–425 hp in certain configurations, though this engine was relatively rare on Biscayne compared with higher-trim models like the Impala or Caprice.
Notes: horsepower figures from the 1960s were measured as gross horsepower, which is higher than the net horsepower ratings used later. The exact figure for any given car depends on its original engine code, carburetion, exhaust, compression, and mechanical condition. While a 427-powered Biscayne is possible in some rare builds, most Biscaynes from that year used small- or mid-block V8s. Always check the car’s build sheet or VIN-specific documentation for the precise rating.
What this means for buyers and collectors
For enthusiasts and potential buyers, the key takeaway is that the 1966 Biscayne offers a broad horsepower spectrum tied to its engine option. Verifying the exact engine code and original configuration is essential for an accurate horsepower figure, especially if the car is being appraised or restored to its factory specifications.
In practice, most 1966 Biscaynes you encounter will fall in the mid-range with 283 or 327 V8s delivering roughly 195–275 hp, while rare big-block builds (such as 396 or 427) push the ceiling toward the 325–425 hp area.
Summary
The 1966 Biscayne’s horsepower is best understood as a range rather than a single value. Depending on the engine—from a 230 inline-six to big-block V8s—the car could produce roughly 140 hp up to about 425 hp, with most examples leaning toward the 195–275 hp range for common configurations. Always verify the car’s original drivetrain to determine the exact horsepower for a specific Biscayne.
