What engine did a 1956 Chevy Bel Air have?
The 1956 Chevy Bel Air could be powered by two main engine families: Chevrolet’s 235.5 cubic inch inline-six or the new 265 cubic inch small-block V8 (Turbo-Fire). The Bel Air was offered with either as part of its model lineup that year.
Engine options in 1956 Bel Air
The Bel Air’s 1956 lineup featured two broad engine choices. The list below highlights the two primary configurations available for the model year.
- 235.5 cu in inline-six, commonly known as the Stovebolt Six
- 265 cu in small-block V8 (Turbo-Fire) with 2-barrel carburetion, and optional 4-barrel/Power Pak upgrade for higher performance
These options illustrate Chevrolet’s balance between traditional straight-six reliability and the performance-oriented small-block V8 that would shape the marque for years to come.
Inline-six option
The baseline engine for many Bel Airs in 1956 was Chevrolet’s 235.5 cubic inch inline-six, the now-iconic Stovebolt Six. It offered smooth operation for everyday driving and could be paired with a manual or automatic transmission, depending on the trim and options chosen.
- Displacement: 235.5 cu in (3.9 L)
- Engine family: Inline-six, Stovebolt Six
- Common configurations: varied carburetion and transmissions
In summary, the inline-six provided practical, reliable motive power for buyers prioritizing economy and ease of maintenance.
Small-block V8 option
Chevrolet’s groundbreaking small-block V8 arrived in the Bel Air via the 265 cu in Turbo-Fire engine. By 1956, this engine was widely offered and could be configured with either a two-barrel carburetor or an upgraded four-barrel setup (Power Pak) for enhanced performance.
- Displacement: 265 cu in (4.3 L)
- Engine family: Small-block V8, Turbo-Fire
- Carburetion options: 2-barrel standard, 4-barrel with Power Pak upgrade
Overall, the V8 option represented a major performance upgrade over the inline-six and helped establish the Bel Air’s reputation for stronger acceleration and smoother cruising power.
Summary
In 1956, the Chevy Bel Air offered two primary engine paths: the traditional 235.5 cu in inline-six (Stovebolt Six) and Chevrolet’s then-new 265 cu in small-block V8 (Turbo-Fire), with optional 4-barrel Power Pak for higher output. Buyers could choose based on priorities like economy, reliability, or performance, and the small-block V8 would come to dominate Chevrolet’s lineup in the years that followed.
What is the most desirable Bel Air year?
Perhaps their most sought-after vehicle is the 1955 Chevy Bel-Air. The Bel-Air offers classic car enthusiasts a number of features worth writing home about.
What engine came in a 1956 Chevy Bel Air?
V-8 cylinder engine
V-8 cylinder engine, overhead valves, 265 cubic inches displacement, 205 horsepower. It's the most enduring 8-cylinder American automobile engine. Chevrolet introduced its “small block” V-8 in 1955 – and kept on building it until 2003.
How much is a 1956 Chevy Bel Air worth today?
A 1956 Chevy Bel Air's value today ranges from around $6,500 for a project car to over $190,000 for a top-tier, concours-level model. The average price is about $68,490, but the final value depends heavily on the vehicle's condition, model (e.g., coupe vs. convertible), engine, and originality.
Factors influencing value
- Condition: Vehicles in excellent, original condition or with high-quality restorations are worth significantly more than those needing work.
- Model and body style: The two-door Sport Coupe is generally the most sought-after, while convertibles can also command high prices.
- Engine: A matching-numbers engine with desirable options like a dual-quad carburetor will increase value.
- Originality: Cars with fewer modifications and a well-documented history are typically more valuable.
Price examples
- Low end: Approximately $6,500 for a car in poor condition that needs extensive work.
- Average: Around $68,490 for a good condition model with average specifications.
- High end: Up to $190,000 or more for a rare, exceptional example in pristine, concours condition.
- Specific examples:
- 1956 Bel Air Sport Coupe (Concours): Valued up to $68,600 (Hagerty)
- 1956 Bel Air Convertible: Auction price range of $46,000 - $65,905 (Classic.com)
- 1956 Bel Air Beauville: Average price around $25,050, with top auction prices reaching $62,700.
What year is the best Chevy 327 engine?
The best Chevy 327 engine year is widely considered to be 1965–1968, specifically the L79 version, which offered a great balance of performance and drivability. For a higher-performance, race-oriented engine, the 1964–1965 L76 and 1964–1965 L84 (fuel-injected) versions were the most powerful factory small-blocks of their time.
You can watch this video to learn about the L79's performance and its impact on muscle car history: 59sEngine LegendsYouTube · Jun 6, 2025
Best overall performance and drivability
- Years: 1965–1968
- Engine: L79
- Why it's the best: The L79 produced a potent 350 hp with a high-performance hydraulic camshaft, making it both powerful and streetable. It was a rocket from 2,400 rpm to 5,800 rpm and was available in a variety of GM vehicles, not just Corvettes.
This video explains the history and performance of the L79 engine, including its features and why it was a popular choice: 58sEngine LegendsYouTube · Jun 3, 2025
Best for pure factory horsepower
- Years: 1964–1965
- Engine: L76 (365 hp) and L84 (375 hp, fuel-injected)
- Why it's the best: These were the most powerful production small-blocks ever built until the 2001 LS6 came out. They featured a high 11:1 compression ratio and a solid-lifter "30-30" cam for maximum top-end power. However, they were less comfortable for daily driving than the L79.
Other notable versions
- 1962–1963: The 327 was first introduced, with versions available in 250, 300, and 340 horsepower ratings.
- 1967–1969: Later versions saw lower compression ratios and power ratings fade as Chevy focused on the new 350 cubic-inch engine. The 1969 model had a two-barrel carburetor and produced 235 horsepower.
