How much horsepower does a 216 Chevy engine have?
The horsepower of the Chevrolet 216 inline-six isn’t a single fixed number. In its most common forms it produced roughly 85 to 92 horsepower, and some higher-compression variants or export versions could approach the low 100s in rare cases.
Overview of the 216 Stovebolt Six
The 216 cubic-inch inline-six, popularly known as the Stovebolt Six, powered Chevrolets from the late 1930s into the 1950s in cars and trucks. Its output evolved with carburetion, compression, and tuning, and the engine is celebrated for its simplicity and durability in classic-era Chevrolets.
Horsepower by era and configuration
To give readers a practical sense of what the 216 could deliver, here is a rough guide to typical figures cited for the engine across its production span. Note that these are approximate gross horsepower numbers from original ratings; modern restorations and different markets can show variations.
- Early 216 (late 1930s to mid-1940s): about 85 hp gross.
- Late 1940s to early 1950s: roughly 90–92 hp gross as refinements were introduced.
- Export or higher-compression variants (less common): up to about 95–100 hp gross in some configurations.
Given the broad range of years, markets, and tuning practices, the exact horsepower for a specific 216-equipped model should be verified against period Chevrolet literature or a restorations manual for that year and bodystyle.
Why those numbers vary
The 216’s horsepower depends on several factors, including carburetion (single vs. dual carburetors), compression ratio, ignition timing, exhaust setup, and whether the engine carried factory performance upgrades or regional specifications. For collectors and restorers, matching the original ratings to a specific vehicle requires checking the period factory documentation or a trusted service bulletin for that model year.
Restoration and verification tips
When restoring a 216 engine, prioritize authentic components and era-appropriate tuning. If you’re aiming to reproduce a factory-spec engine, consult Chevrolet sales literature, service manuals, and period road-test data from the exact year and body style. Dyno testing can also help verify gross vs. net horsepower for a restored unit, though results will differ from the original factory ratings depending on measurement conditions.
Summary
In short, the Chevrolet 216 inline-six typically produced about 85–92 horsepower in its standard form, with rare higher-compression or export variants nudging toward the low 100s. For precise figures, identify the exact year and configuration and consult original Chevrolet documentation or reputable restoration references.
