What engine came in a 1956 Chevy?

In 1956, Chevrolet's passenger cars were powered by two main engine families: the 235 cubic-inch inline-six and the 265 cubic-inch small-block V8.

These engines defined the lineup across Bel Air, 210, and 150 models, shaping performance, pricing, and the early days of GM's small-block era.

Powertrain options in the 1956 Chevy lineup

The 1956 Chevrolet lineup relied on two core powerplants: an inline-six and a small-block V8. The inline-six was the workhorse choice for economy-focused buyers, while the 265 cubic-inch V8 offered more power and prestige across many models.

• 235 cubic-inch inline-six (Stovebolt/Blue Flame Six) — a long-running six-cylinder engine used across Chevrolet passenger cars and trucks in the era.


• 265 cubic-inch small-block V8 — a lightweight, compact V8 introduced in 1955, widely used in Bel Air, 210, and other lines in 1956.

These two powertrains represent Chevrolet's early adoption of the small-block V8 and the enduring inline-six option that powered the company's popular mainstream cars in the mid-1950s.

Model range and engine assignment

In 1956, the inline-six generally underpinned the base and mid-range Chevrolets, while the 265 V8 was available or standard on higher-trim models like the Bel Air and popular with buyers who sought more performance. The split helped Chevrolet balance pricing with power, a formula that would define GM's approach for the next decade.

The 1956 model year is notable for showcasing the young but growing dominance of the V8 in Chevrolet's lineup, signaling the shift that would become permanent in the late 1950s and beyond.

Summary

For 1956 Chevrolets, the engines were the 235 cubic-inch inline-six and the 265 cubic-inch small-block V8. The inline-six served as the reliable, economical choice, while the V8 provided a more powerful option across the lineup, marking an early milestone in Chevrolet's ongoing small-block era.

What is a 302 Chevy engine worth?

A genuine Chevy 302 engine, particularly the rare DZ302 from a '67-'69 Camaro Z/28, can be worth thousands of dollars, especially for original or restored components. However, a custom-built 302 using a 283 crank and a 327/350 block will have a value closer to the cost of its parts and labor, often ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on its condition and what parts are included. 
Factors influencing the value

• Genuine DZ302 vs. custom build:
  • Genuine DZ302: These are rare and highly sought after by collectors. An original, running DZ302 can fetch thousands of dollars. 
  • Custom-built 302: These engines are built using components from other small-block Chevy engines (like a 283 crank and a 327 or 350 block) and are generally less valuable than a true DZ302. 
• Condition and completeness:
  • Running condition: A complete, running engine will be worth more than a disassembled one. 
  • Components: The value increases with high-performance or original parts, such as a forged rotating assembly or specific heads. 
• Market demand:
  • Collector's item: The 302's history in Trans-Am racing makes it a popular engine for collectors and muscle car enthusiasts, which drives up demand and prices. 
• Marketplace:
  • Online auctions: You can find a range of prices on online auction sites like eBay, from a few hundred for parts to a couple thousand for complete engines. 

How to determine the value of your engine

1. Identify the engine: Is it a genuine DZ302 from a Z/28, or was it custom-built? This is the most crucial factor for valuation.
2. Inspect the engine's condition: Check for rust, damage, and missing parts. A complete and running engine is worth significantly more.
3. Document all components: Note the specific parts used, especially if they are original GM or high-performance upgrades.
4. Research current market prices: Search for similar engines on auction sites and forums to get an idea of the current going rate.

What year is the best Chevy 350 engine?

The best Chevy 350 engine is often considered to be the 1996-2000 Vortec 5.7L due to its significant improvements in performance and efficiency. This version features Vortec cylinder heads for better airflow and the more durable hydraulic roller camshaft. While earlier models were simpler, later ones like the Vortec offered a stronger block design (880 casting), which is ideal for high-performance builds. 
This video explains the advantages of the Vortec 5.7L engine: 58sMyvintageiron7512YouTube · Mar 17, 2023
1996-2000 Vortec 5.7L 

• Vortec cylinder heads: Significantly improved airflow and combustion efficiency, leading to better performance and fuel economy. 
• Hydraulic roller camshaft: This provides greater durability and reduced wear on the valvetrain compared to older flat-tappet cams. 
• Stronger block: Blocks with the "880" casting number were used during this time and are built for roller cams, making them a great foundation for building a high-performance engine. 

Other notable years

• Early 1990s (with roller cam): These engines are also desirable because they came with a roller valvetrain, but some may lack a provision for a mechanical fuel pump. 
• 1970 LT-1: For those seeking raw, early-era power, the 1970 LT-1 version is a legendary, high-performance option with solid lifters and high compression. 
• 1986 and newer (one-piece rear main seal): Engines from 1986 and newer are equipped with a one-piece rear main seal, which is different from the two-piece seal found on older engines. This distinction is important when selecting a compatible flywheel or flexplate. 

What is the difference between a 1956 Chevy 150 and 210?

The 150, 210, And Bel Air Models
But to narrow it down, the 150 was the base model with no side trim at all; the 210 was between the 150 and Bel Air, with trim behind the front door only; and the Bel Air had trim all the way down the side, from front fender to the quarter panel.

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.