What engine came in a 1954 Chevy 3100?
The 1954 Chevrolet 3100 pickups used an inline-six engine, with two main six-cylinder options available. The standard powerplant was the smaller, durable six, while an optional larger six could be found on certain configurations. There was no factory V8 option in the 3100 lineup for 1954.
Engine options for the 1954 3100
Chevrolet offered two inline-six engines for the 3100 line in 1954. Here are the details:
- Stovebolt Six — inline-six around 216.5 cubic inches, part of Chevrolet’s long-running six-cylinder family.
- Blue Flame Six — a larger inline-six at about 235.5 cubic inches, available as an upgrade or on select configurations.
In practice, the 216.5 cubic inch engine was the standard fit for most 3100 pickups in 1954, while the 235.5 cubic inch option appeared on higher-spec or fleet-oriented builds.
What this meant for performance and use
Both engines were designed for reliability and low-end torque suitable for a pickup truck. The larger Blue Flame Six offered more power for hauling and sustained highway speeds, but fuel economy remained a consideration in the era’s heavy, carbureted six-cylinders. The 3100’s powertrain was typically paired with a three-speed manual transmission, with some configurations offering an optional automatic in later years.
Summary
The 1954 Chevrolet 3100 used an inline-six engine, typically the 216.5 cu in Stovebolt Six, with an optional 235.5 cu in Blue Flame Six available on certain builds. This reflected Chevrolet’s emphasis on durable, simple powertrains for its mid‑century pickups. If you’re restoring or researching a specific truck, verify the VIN and build sheet to confirm the exact engine for that chassis.
