What are the specs of the 1956 Chevy 265 engine?
The 1956 Chevrolet 265 cubic-inch V8—the company’s pioneering small-block—measures 4.00 inches in bore and 3.75 inches in stroke, delivering roughly 162–210 horsepower depending on carburetion and option packages. It features an iron block and heads, overhead-valve design, and could be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. The following outlines the core specifications and notable variants from that year.
Core specifications
Core technical specifications for the 1956 265 small-block V8, reflecting the common configurations offered in Chevrolet’s lineup that year.
- Displacement: 265 cu in (4.34 L)
- Configuration: Small-block V8 (OHV, overhead valve)
- Bore × Stroke: 4.00 in × 3.75 in (101.6 mm × 95.25 mm)
- Block and heads: Cast iron
- Valvetrain: Pushrod-operated, two valves per cylinder (16 valves total)
- Induction: 2-barrel carburetor standard; 4-barrel carburetor option available on higher-performance builds
- Compression ratio: Approximately 9.0:1 (typical; some Power Pak configurations used mild increases)
- Horsepower (approximate): 162–180 hp with the 2-barrel setup; 195–210 hp with higher-compression or 4-barrel/Power Pak configurations
- Torque (approximate): 240–260 lb-ft depending on configuration
- Lubrication: Wet-sump lubricating system
- Fuel system: Carbureted (2-barrel standard; 4-barrel optional)
- Intake/exhaust: Cast-iron intake manifold; cast-iron exhaust manifolds
- Cooling: Water-cooled with radiator and belt-driven pump
- Ignition: Conventional battery ignition with distributor and spark plugs
- Transmission options: 3-speed manual or Powerglide 2-speed automatic
Note: Output figures varied by carburetion, cam timing, compression, and market ratings (gross vs. net) across models. The 265 was Chevrolet’s first generation of the iconic small-block and served as a foundation for later, more powerful variants.
Variants and performance options
Chevrolet offered several trim levels and option packages to boost performance of the 265 during the 1956 model year. The most notable upgrade paths included:
- Power Pak option: increased compression and performance-oriented tuning to lift horsepower beyond the base 2-barrel rating
- 4-barrel carburetor package: used on higher-performance configurations to maximize air and fuel delivery
- Automatic transmission option: Powerglide (2-speed) paired with the 265 for buyers seeking an automatic drivetrain
These variants illustrate how Chevrolet balanced economy and performance in the mid-1950s, using the same fundamental 265 block with different induction, compression, and cam choices to meet customer preferences.
Historical context and evolution
The 1956 265 was part of Chevrolet’s early push into a family of compact, easily serviceable small-block engines that would power Chevrolet cars for decades. Its iron-block architecture and straightforward pushrod design made it durable and economical to produce, while the availability of higher-compression and multi-carburetor options allowed Chevrolet to offer sportier variants without a drastic redesign. This engine set the stage for later generations that would yield more power, improved efficiency, and continued popularity among hot-rodders and restorers.
Summary
The 1956 Chevy 265 engine is best understood as Chevrolet’s landmark small-block: a 265 cu in V8 with a 4.00" bore and 3.75" stroke, standard 2-barrel induction with optional 4-barrel, and a range of outputs from roughly 162 hp to upward of 210 hp depending on configuration. It paired with 3-speed manual or Powerglide automatic transmissions and featured an iron block and heads with an overhead-valve design. Its simple, durable design not only powered mid-1950s Chevrolets but also laid the groundwork for an enduring lineage of small-block engines.
Is the Chevy 265 a good engine?
Chevrolet 265
introduced in the 1955 model year was built with entirely new standards. "To give you truly fine performance, it is powerful, smooth, and quiet. Because it is highly efficient, it accomplishes these important benefits with less power loss, which mean outstanding economy and durability.
What is the specs of the 1956 Chevy 265 engine?
Engine- “Turbo-Fire Special V8,” Super-efficient valve-in-head design, 265-cubic inch displacement, 3.75″ bore x 3.0″ stroke, 9.25 to 1 compression ratio. 225 horsepower at 5200 rpm. Torque 270 foot pounds at 3600 rpm. Special high-lift camshaft, high-speed valve mechanism.
What engines were available in a 1956 Chevy?
In 1956, the main engine options were the standard 235 cubic-inch "Blue Flame" inline-six (140 hp) and the 265 cubic-inch "Turbo-Fire" V8, which came in several versions from 162 hp to 225 hp. The V8 had a base model with a single-barrel carburetor, a more powerful option with a four-barrel carburetor, and a high-performance "Power Pack" version with dual four-barrel carburetors that produced 225 horsepower.
235 cubic-inch "Blue Flame" I6
- Horsepower: 140 hp
- Configuration: Inline-six
- Note: This was the standard engine for most models.
265 cubic-inch "Turbo-Fire" V8
- Configuration: Overhead valve V8
- Horsepower Options:
- Base V8: 162 hp (with manual transmission) or 170 hp (with Powerglide automatic)
- "Power Pack" V8: 205 hp
- Four-barrel carburetor V8: 210 hp
- Dual four-barrel carburetor V8: 225 hp
Notable performance options
- "Power Pack": This option boosted the standard V8 to 205 horsepower, and was later a 225 hp four-barrel version.
- Dual-quad V8: The top performance engine option was a 265 cubic-inch V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors, which produced 225 horsepower and was available through the "Super Power Pack" option.
How much horsepower does a Chevy 265 have?
162 horsepower
The two barrel version of the 265 was only rated at 162 horsepower at the flywheel, far less at the wheels. John Szczesny take that as you may, but a short stroke V8 and a well balance, the ONLY thing better was the 283 and 327s, but any of 200hp was a HUGE step up from everybody's early 50s 80-120hp engines.
