What engine did the 1963 C10 have?
The 1963 Chevrolet C10 offered multiple engine options, including a 230 cubic inch inline-six and two small-block V8s (283 and 327 cubic inches). This article explains those choices and how they affected performance.
Engine options for the 1963 C10
The following list outlines the primary engine choices Chevrolet provided for the 1963 C10 model year.
- 230 cubic inch inline-six (3.8 L)
- 283 cubic inch small-block V8
- 327 cubic inch small-block V8
In practice, engine choice influenced power, towing capability, and fuel economy. The inline-six prioritized reliability and efficiency, while the V8s offered significantly more performance, especially the larger 327 for stronger acceleration and highway capability.
Inline-six: 230 cu in
The 230 cu in inline-six served as the standard powerplant for many C10s, valued for smooth operation and durability. It provided adequate torque for everyday tasks and light hauling, with better fuel economy compared with the V8 options.
283 cu in V8
The 283 cu in small-block V8 marked a clear step up in power over the six, delivering stronger acceleration and better capability for heavier loads or cruising at highway speeds. It was commonly paired with either two- or four-barrel carburetion depending on the desired performance level.
327 cu in V8
The 327 cu in V8 was the top-tier engine option for the 1963 C10, offering the most power in the lineup. Depending on configuration, carburetion, and compression, it provided the strongest performance for merging, passing, and heavier towing tasks.
Performance context and availability
Horsepower and torque varied by carburetor setup (2-barrel versus 4-barrel), compression ratio, and specific truck configuration. Buyers could choose a setup that balanced economy with everyday practicality or opt for maximum power for work-related tasks and highway driving.
Summary
For the 1963 Chevrolet C10, the engine lineup consisted of a 230 cubic inch inline-six, a 283 cubic inch V8, and a 327 cubic inch V8. This range gave buyers options from economical daily use to higher-performance configurations suitable for heavier loads and faster highway cruising.
What trucks did Chevy make in 1963?
1963 Chevrolet K20
These trucks borrowed heavily from military vehicles and were very rugged. The optional 292 CID six-cylinder engine cost an additional $97. Over one third of the trucks sold in the U.S. in 1963 were Chevrolets. Total Chevy truck production reached 483,119 units.
How much is a 1963 C10 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $20,467 for a 1963 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1963 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1963 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $148,500.
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.
What engines were available in the 1963 Chevy C10?
In 1963, the Chevrolet C10 was offered with two new inline-6 engines and the 283 V8 as the V8 option. The standard engine was a 230 cubic-inch six-cylinder, while an optional larger 292 cubic-inch inline-6 was available for increased performance. The 283 V8 was the only V8 available, producing 175 horsepower.
- Base engine: 230 cubic-inch inline-6 (140140140 horsepower)
- Optional inline-6: 292 cubic-inch inline-6 (165165165 horsepower)
- Optional V8: 283 cubic-inch V8 (175175175 horsepower)
