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What engine is in a 1949 Chevy truck?

The 1949 Chevy truck was powered by a robust and reliable engine that was a staple of Chevrolet's lineup during that era. The engine in a 1949 Chevy truck was the Chevrolet Thriftmaster 216 cubic inch (3.5 liter) inline six-cylinder engine.


Chevrolet Thriftmaster 216 Engine


The Chevrolet Thriftmaster 216 engine was a long-running and well-regarded powerplant that was used in a variety of Chevrolet vehicles throughout the 1940s and 1950s. This engine was known for its durability, simplicity, and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for the 1949 Chevy truck.



  • Displacement: 216 cubic inches (3.5 liters)

  • Configuration: Inline six-cylinder

  • Horsepower: 92 hp at 3,400 rpm

  • Torque: 178 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm

  • Transmission: 3-speed manual


The Thriftmaster 216 engine was designed to provide a balance of power and efficiency, making it well-suited for the demands of hauling and towing that were common for 1940s-era pickup trucks. Its robust construction and simple design also contributed to its reputation for reliability and longevity.


Engine Specifications and Performance


The Chevrolet Thriftmaster 216 engine in the 1949 Chevy truck was a workhorse that provided ample power and torque for the vehicle's intended uses. With 92 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, the engine was capable of hauling heavy loads and tackling steep inclines with relative ease.



  • Bore x Stroke: 3.5 in x 4.375 in

  • Compression Ratio: 6.5:1

  • Fuel System: Carburetor

  • Cooling System: Water-cooled

  • Ignition System: Distributor


The engine was paired with a 3-speed manual transmission, which allowed the driver to make the most of the engine's power and torque characteristics. This combination provided a satisfying driving experience and the capability to handle a variety of hauling and towing tasks.

How much horsepower does a 235 Chevy engine have?


108 hp
235

YearCompression RatioPower
19537.1:1108 hp (81 kW) @ 3600 rpm
107 hp (80 kW) @ 3600 rpm
19548.0:1155 hp (116 kW) @ 4200 rpm
150 hp (112 kW) @ 4200 rpm



Was the Chevy 235 a good engine?


When properly rebuilt, these were really good, dependable, long lasting engines. A healthy rebuilt 235 or 261 has plenty of torque to turn a higher rear gear on the hiway to allow lower rpm and higher hiway speeds. Also, they will easily carry an air conditioning comperssor if so desiered.



What Chevys had a 427 engine?


Vehicles Found With "427 Ci/425 Hp (l72)" as Engine

  • 1969 Chevrolet. Chevelle Yenko.
  • 1969 Chevrolet. Camaro Yenko.
  • 1966 Chevrolet. Biscayne L72.
  • 1969 Chevrolet. Camaro COPO.
  • 1969 Chevrolet. Camaro Yenko.
  • 1969 Chevrolet. Chevelle Yenko.



What engine came in a 1949 Chevy truck?


Q: What engine did the 1949 Chevrolet 3100 have? A: The engine powering the 1949 Chevrolet 3100 was a Inline 6 (3548 cc | 216.5 cu in. | 3.5 L.) with 90 BHP (66.24 KW) @ 3300 RPM.



What is the difference between a 1949 Chevy 3600 and a 3100?


Late 1949 - Hood side emblems no longer read "Thriftmaster" or "Loadmaster", but are now numbers that designate cargo capacity: 3100 on 1⁄2 ton, 3600 on 3⁄4 ton, 3800 on 1 ton. Serial number codes remain the same as on early 1949.



What is Chevy most reliable engine?


The 5.3-liter L84 Ecotec3 V8 engine from full-size Chevrolet vehicles like the Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban is regarded as the most reliable engine from Chevrolet.



What were the two types of engines used during 1949-1954 Chevy cars?


Mechanically the 216.5 six cylinder (92hp) was mated to the three-speed manual tranny, while the larger 235 six (105hp) was reserved for the Powerglide.



What is the rarest Chevy?


1. 1969 Nova Yenko SC 427 - 38 Units. Rare as hen's teeth – the 1969 Nova Yenko SC 427 tops of our list of the rarest Chevrolet muscle cars. Yenko wanted to order the 427 engine in the compact Nova's – but Chevrolet wouldn't allow it for safety reasons.



What is a 1949 Chevy truck worth?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $30,400 for a 1949 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.



How many 1949 Chevy trucks were made?


Production figures for the AD truck years are as follows.... 1949- 383,345 total... {201,357 units were 1/2 ton under 5,000 GVW & 97,768 units were 5,001- 10,000 GVW, 27,884 units in the 10,001- 14,000 GVW & 98,591 in the 14001 to-16,000 GVW}. 1950- 494,753 total...


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.