What engine came in a 1958 Apache?
The 1958 Chevrolet Apache offered two engine options: a 235 cubic-inch inline-six as standard and an optional 265 cubic-inch small-block V8.
This article reviews the engine lineup for the 1958 Apache pickups, part of Chevrolet’s late-1950s Task Force era, and explains what those powerplants meant for performance and everyday use.
Engine options and specifications
Chevrolet provided two principal powerplants for the 1958 Apache, balancing reliability with boosted performance for buyers who needed more muscle.
- 235 cubic-inch inline-six (Stovebolt Six) — standard, roughly 140 horsepower, designed for durability and torque
- 265 cubic-inch small-block V8 — optional upgrade, roughly 180 horsepower, offering noticeably stronger acceleration
In addition to these engines, buyers could typically choose from manual transmissions or, in some configurations, an automatic option to suit payload needs and driving preferences of the era.
Context and impact
The availability of a V8 option in the Apache lineup highlights Chevrolet’s broader move in the late 1950s to equip light trucks with more modern and powerful powertrains, a trend that continued into the 1960s.
Summary
Summary: For the 1958 Apache, the engine choices were the dependable 235 cu in inline-six as standard and the optional 265 cu in small-block V8, delivering about 140 hp and 180 hp respectively depending on trim and carburetion.
