What engine came in a 1966 Chevy C10?

The 1966 Chevy C10 pickup truck was powered by a variety of engine options, but the most common and popular choice was the 283 cubic inch (4.6 liter) V8 engine. This small-block V8 was a staple of Chevrolet's lineup during the 1960s and provided a good balance of power and efficiency for the C10.

The 283 V8 Engine

The 283 V8 engine was first introduced by Chevrolet in 1957 and quickly became one of the company's most successful and widely-used powerplants. It featured a cast-iron block and head, with a bore and stroke of 3.875 inches by 3 inches, giving it a total displacement of 283 cubic inches.

In the 1966 Chevy C10, the 283 V8 was available in a few different configurations. The base model produced 195 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque, while higher-performance versions could make up to 220 horsepower.

Other Engine Options

While the 283 V8 was the most common engine choice, the 1966 Chevy C10 was also available with a few other powerplant options:

• 230 cubic inch (3.8 liter) inline 6-cylinder engine, producing 140 horsepower


• 327 cubic inch (5.4 liter) V8 engine, producing up to 275 horsepower in high-performance versions


• 396 cubic inch (6.5 liter) big-block V8 engine, producing up to 325 horsepower

These additional engine choices allowed buyers to tailor the C10 to their specific needs and preferences, whether that was prioritizing fuel efficiency, towing capacity, or outright performance.

Transmission Options

The 1966 Chevy C10 was available with both manual and automatic transmission options to pair with the various engine choices. The standard transmission was a 3-speed manual, but a 4-speed manual and 2-speed automatic were also offered.

Overall, the 283 V8 engine was the most common and popular choice for the 1966 Chevy C10, providing a good balance of power and efficiency that made it well-suited for the pickup's intended work duties. The availability of other engine and transmission options, however, allowed buyers to customize their C10 to their specific needs.

What engines are available in the 1966 Chevy C10?

In addition to a new 250 cubic inch displacement L-6 gasoline en- gine, two new 366 cubic inch V-8 gasoline units are offered in the Series 10 through 80 category. New 401 and 478 cubic inch V-6 gasoline engines as well as two new 637 cubic inch V-8 diesel engines are offered for the 70,000 and 80,000 Series.
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What engine did the Chevy C10 have?

The standard engine was a 250 cid, in-line 6. Chevrolet's famous 350 cid small block V8 was the next engine choice. In 1975 Chevrolet also offered the mighty 454 cid big block V8 as a $340 option in the C10, creating what many suggest was the fastest accelerating vehicle that GM built that year.

How much is a 1966 Chevy C10 worth today?

A 1966 Chevy C10's value varies significantly based on condition, with averages around $19,410 for a good example, but ranging from under $9,000 for a project to over $198,000 for a rare, high-end restomod. Expect a wide range, as condition is the most significant factor.
 
Value by condition

• Good condition: Approximately $19,410 on average. 
• Project/needs work: Can be as low as $8,925. 
• Exceptional/restomod: Can exceed $198,000, especially for high-end customizations or rare finds. 

Factors influencing price

• Condition: Rust, damage, and wear drastically affect value. 
• Originality vs. modification: Restomods with popular upgrades like a 350-700R4 transmission and modern features can fetch higher prices. 
• Mileage and history: Lower mileage and a clean, well-documented history will increase the price. 
• Body style: Specific configurations like a "Big Window" or Stepside can influence desirability. 
• Auction results: High-profile auctions can sometimes set record prices for exceptional examples. 

How to estimate your C10's value

• Use online valuation tools: Sites like Hagerty provide detailed valuation guides and historical sales data. 
• Check current listings: Browse sites like eBay, Classic.com, and Classics on Autotrader to see what similar trucks are listed for. 
• Consider a professional appraisal: For a highly accurate valuation, especially for a pristine or heavily modified truck, a professional appraisal is the best option. 

What makes the 1966 C10 special?

The 1966 C10 is special for its blend of classic style, powerful engine options, and a comfortable ride that made it a versatile and popular truck. It was a significant year in the second generation of the C/K series, notable for introducing the more powerful 327 V8 engine option for the C10, improving upon the previous 283 V8. Furthermore, its coil-spring rear suspension provided a smoother, more car-like ride compared to its competitors that used leaf springs, making it suitable for both work and everyday driving.
 
Performance and mechanics

• Engine options: While the 283 V8 was popular, 1966 saw the 327 V8 become available, offering more power. 
• Smooth ride: A major feature was its coil-spring rear suspension, which delivered a more comfortable ride than the leaf-spring systems used in many competing trucks. 
• Durability: It was built with a sturdy frame, making it a reliable and durable vehicle for handling tough jobs and roads. 

Design and customization

• Classic aesthetics: The 1966 model is celebrated for its iconic, classic American pickup truck design. 
• Customization potential: Enthusiasts highly value the 1966 C10 for its extensive customization potential, with many modern builds featuring updated engines, suspension, and high-end interiors, such as custom seats and modern gauges. 

Legacy

• Versatility: The combination of its robust build, comfortable ride, and powerful engine options made it a versatile truck that was equally at home on a job site or as a daily driver.
• Collector appeal: Its lasting appeal lies in its combination of vintage style and rugged capability, which has cemented its status as a beloved classic in the truck community.