What motor came in the 1958 Chevy Bel Air?
The 1958 Chevy Bel Air offered multiple engine options: the base inline-6 235 cu in, the 283 cu in small-block V8, and the 348 cu in big-block for higher-trim setups.
Engine options for the 1958 Bel Air
The Bel Air used three primary engine families in 1958—the 235 inline-six, the 283 small-block V8, and the 348 big-block—across different body styles and trim levels.
- 235 cubic inch inline-six engine
- 283 cubic inch small-block V8 (offered with multiple carburetor configurations)
- 348 cubic inch big-block V8 (introduced in 1958 and available on select Bel Air configurations)
In short, buyers in 1958 could choose among these engines depending on the model and options, with the 283 V8 serving as the workhorse upgrade over the base six and the 348 delivering peak power on higher-end builds.
How to identify the engine in your Bel Air
Identification typically involves checking the vehicle’s VIN and engine stamping on the block, consulting the door jamb or glovebox build sheet, or cross-referencing the specific Bel Air’s trim level and production year to confirm which engine family was installed.
Summary
For the 1958 Chevy Bel Air, Chevrolet offered three main powertrain options: the 235 inline-six, the 283 small-block V8, and the 348 big-block for select, higher-trim configurations. The exact engine depended on the car’s trim, options, and production date, with the 283 V8 being the most common upgrade from the base six and the 348 representing the era’s top-end performance.
What engine came in a 1958 Chevy Bel Air?
In my opinion, the 1958 was one of the best looking and for some reason overlooked Chevy model year. Yes, it was labeled as a Bel Air Impala, but what difference does the vernacular make? It was a gorgeous car with engine options from a 235 6cyl, to a 283 V8, to a 348 V8 Turbo...
What size was the largest engine offered in the 1958 Chevrolet cars?
The big-block, which debuted in 1958 at 348 cu in (5.7 L), was built in standard displacements up to 496 cu in (8.1 L), with aftermarket crate engines sold by Chevrolet exceeding 500 cu in (8.2 L).
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.
How much is a 1958 Chevy Bel Air worth today?
What is the price of the most recent 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air sale? The most recent auction sale of a 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air was $28,600 on October 04, 2025 by Mecum Auctions.
