What engine came in a 1947 Chevy truck?
The 1947 Chevy truck was powered by Chevrolet's Stovebolt inline-six, a 216-cubic-inch engine that defined the postwar pickup era.
In the wake of World War II, Chevy’s light trucks, including the popular 3100 half-ton, relied on a durable six-cylinder powerplant that balanced simplicity with reliability. Known as the Stovebolt Six, the 216 cu in engine powered most 1947 Chevrolet trucks and became a defining feature of the era’s hauling capability.
Engine details
Core specifications of the engine powering 1947 Chevrolet trucks.
- Displacement: 216.5 cubic inches (3.5 liters)
- Configuration: inline-six, side-valve (flathead) “Stovebolt Six”
- Power output: typically around 85–90 horsepower, depending on configuration and year
- Torque: ample low-end torque for hauling duties of the era
- Common applications: used across the Chevrolet 3100 half-ton and related light trucks; transmission was usually a 3-speed manual (with variations offering a 4-speed)
In summary, the Stovebolt Six powered the 1947 Chevy trucks, delivering durable, easy-to-service performance that fit the needs of postwar buyers and set the standard for Chevrolet light trucks of the period.
Origins of the Stovebolt Six
The nickname “Stovebolt” comes from the engine’s distinctive valve-cover bolts, which resembled the stove bolts used on kitchen ranges. The name stuck to Chevrolet’s robust inline-six family, a hallmark of reliability that carried through decades of Chevrolet trucks and cars.
Performance and reliability in daily use
For 1947 Chevrolet trucks, the Stovebolt Six offered dependable power for everyday tasks—hauling, field work, and daily transport—while keeping maintenance straightforward for owners. Its iron construction and simple design contributed to longevity and ease of service in both rural and urban settings.
Summary
In a nutshell, the 1947 Chevy truck’s engine was the 216 cubic inch Stovebolt Six, an inline-six that defined Chevrolet’s postwar light-truck performance with durability and ease of maintenance. This engine helped shape the reputation of Chevrolet’s early postwar pickups and remains a notable milestone in American automotive history.
What engine did the 1947 Chevy truck have?
The cab design provided more comfort and space for the driver and passenger. - **Engine:** The 1947 model typically came with a 216.5 cubic inch (3.5 L) inline-six engine, known as the "Thriftmaster" engine, which produced around 90 horsepower. This engine was known for its durability and reliability.
What year did the 235 engine come out?
1950
The 235 was introduced to the Chevy passenger car line in 1950, coupled to the new Powerglide automatic transmission, and 3.55:1 rear differential.
How much is a 1947 Chevy Fleetline worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,250 for a 1947 Chevrolet Fleetline in good condition with average spec.
What year is the best Chevy 327 engine?
The best Chevy 327 engine year is widely considered to be 1965–1968, specifically the L79 version, which offered a great balance of performance and drivability. For a higher-performance, race-oriented engine, the 1964–1965 L76 and 1964–1965 L84 (fuel-injected) versions were the most powerful factory small-blocks of their time.
You can watch this video to learn about the L79's performance and its impact on muscle car history: 59sEngine LegendsYouTube · Jun 6, 2025
Best overall performance and drivability
- Years: 1965–1968
- Engine: L79
- Why it's the best: The L79 produced a potent 350 hp with a high-performance hydraulic camshaft, making it both powerful and streetable. It was a rocket from 2,400 rpm to 5,800 rpm and was available in a variety of GM vehicles, not just Corvettes.
This video explains the history and performance of the L79 engine, including its features and why it was a popular choice: 58sEngine LegendsYouTube · Jun 3, 2025
Best for pure factory horsepower
- Years: 1964–1965
- Engine: L76 (365 hp) and L84 (375 hp, fuel-injected)
- Why it's the best: These were the most powerful production small-blocks ever built until the 2001 LS6 came out. They featured a high 11:1 compression ratio and a solid-lifter "30-30" cam for maximum top-end power. However, they were less comfortable for daily driving than the L79.
Other notable versions
- 1962–1963: The 327 was first introduced, with versions available in 250, 300, and 340 horsepower ratings.
- 1967–1969: Later versions saw lower compression ratios and power ratings fade as Chevy focused on the new 350 cubic-inch engine. The 1969 model had a two-barrel carburetor and produced 235 horsepower.
