What engine came in a 1962 Chevy C10?
The 1962 Chevy C10 pickup truck was powered by a variety of engine options, but the most common was the inline six-cylinder engine. This engine provided reliable power and performance for the C10, making it a popular choice for both work and personal use.
The Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
The standard engine for the 1962 Chevy C10 was the 235 cubic inch (3.9 liter) inline six-cylinder. This engine was a tried-and-true design that had been used in Chevrolet trucks and cars for decades. It produced 140 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for hauling and towing.
The inline six-cylinder engine was known for its durability and reliability. It was a simple, robust design that was easy to maintain and repair, making it a popular choice for both commercial and personal use. The engine was also relatively fuel-efficient, which was an important consideration for truck buyers in the early 1960s.
Other Engine Options
While the inline six-cylinder was the standard engine, the 1962 Chevy C10 was also available with other engine options. These included:
- 283 cubic inch (4.6 liter) V8 engine, producing 170 horsepower
- 327 cubic inch (5.4 liter) V8 engine, producing 210 horsepower
- 409 cubic inch (6.7 liter) V8 engine, producing 380 horsepower (available in 1962 but rare)
These larger V8 engines provided more power and performance, but they also came with a higher price tag and reduced fuel efficiency. The inline six-cylinder remained the most popular and widely-used engine in the 1962 Chevy C10.
Conclusion
The 1962 Chevy C10 was a versatile and reliable pickup truck that was powered by a variety of engine options. The most common and widely-used engine was the inline six-cylinder, which provided a balance of power, efficiency, and durability that made it a popular choice for both work and personal use. While larger V8 engines were available, the inline six-cylinder remained the go-to engine for the C10 in 1962.
How much is a 1962 Chevy C10 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $20,467 for a 1962 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1962 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1962 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $73,700.
What engine does a 1962 Chevy C10 have?
1962 models featured torsion bar front suspensions, with trailing arm suspension rears. Trim lines were base and "Custom." Engines included the base GMC 305ci V6 for the GMC version, 135 hp, 235ci (3.9 L) and 150 hp 261ci (4.3 L) straight-6s, and a 283ci (4.6 L) V8 with 185 hp.
What Chevy engines were available in 1962?
General Year Information – 1962 Chevrolet Facts
Engine choices were the big news: In the small block line, the venerable 283 CID V-8 was reduced to only the 170 HP base V-8. The new 327 CID small block V-8 replaced the 348 CID but only offered two choices – 250 and 300 HP.
Was the Chevy 348 a good engine?
Yes, the Chevy 348 was a good engine, particularly known for its strong torque, durable construction, and versatility. Originally designed as a smooth, torquey powerplant for trucks and larger cars, it provided excellent low-end and mid-range grunt. Its role as the foundation for the more famous 409 and its capability for performance upgrades made it a significant engine in Chevrolet's history.
Strengths
- Torque: The engine excelled at producing strong low-end torque, making it well-suited for heavy vehicles like trucks and large passenger cars.
- Durability: Built for the demanding work of trucks, the 348 featured a durable cast-iron block that could handle high compression ratios and other modifications.
- Versatility: It was available in various versions, from a base 250 hp model to high-output "Tri-Power" versions with three two-barrel carburetors that could produce up to 335 hp.
- Foundation for Performance: Although not initially intended as a high-performance engine, it was a capable platform for enthusiasts. It served as the basis for the legendary 409 engine and was a popular choice for performance builds.
Weaknesses
- Top-End Limitation: The hydraulic lifter versions were limited by valve float around 5400-5500 RPM, which restricted top-end power.
- Factory Shortcomings: The original factory heads had small ports and valves and pressed-in rocker studs, which limited performance without modification.
- Reputation: The engine developed a reputation as a "boat anchor" due to a common practice of over-revving, especially when combined with the limitations of early valve springs.
Legacy
The 348 played a crucial role in Chevrolet's history by introducing the "W" series big-block and laying the groundwork for future performance engines like the 409. Today, the 348 remains a popular engine for classic car builders, who often upgrade the heads and other components to create a powerful and reliable engine for a wide range of applications.
