What size engine is in the Chevy C60?

The Chevy C60 did not have a single, fixed engine size; engine displacement varied by year, configuration, and market. In practice, owners could encounter a range of gasoline V8s and diesel options depending on the specific truck.

Historical context of the Chevy C60

The Chevy C60 was part of Chevrolet’s line of medium‑to heavy‑duty trucks produced across several decades, including the 1960s through the 1980s. The “C60” designation was used in coordination with GMC alongside similar truck models, and powertrains were chosen to meet different hauling needs and operators. Because the model spanned many years and configurations, there isn’t a universal engine size that applies to every C60.

Common engine options over the years

Below is a snapshot of the kinds of engines that appeared in various C60 configurations. The exact displacement depends on the model year and cab/axle setup.

• Gasoline V8 options commonly ranged from around 283 to 454 cubic inches (roughly 4.6 to 7.4 liters), spanning small-block and big-block families used in GM trucks of the era.


• Diesel options included GM’s later 6.2L (378 cubic inches) diesel and the 6.5L (397 cubic inches) diesel that appeared in GM medium‑duty trucks in the late 1980s and beyond.


• Some early or specialized C60 configurations could have used larger or differently tuned engines for specific vocational needs, though those were less common in standard fleets.

Because of the broad timeline and configurations, the precise engine size for a given C60 can only be confirmed with a year, a VIN or a build sheet. Next, you’ll find practical steps to verify the engine size on a specific truck.

How to verify the engine size on a specific Chevy C60

To determine the exact engine size for a particular C60, use these verification steps. The more complete your documentation, the easier it is to confirm the displacement.

VIN decoding and engine codes

Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and any engine code stamps. GM used specific engine codes within the VIN or on engine tags that map to a documented displacement for that year and model.

Block stamping and data plates

Look for engine block stamping near the rear of the drivers’ side block and for data plates on the cab or door jamb. These markings often include the engine displacement or a code that can be cross‑referenced to the factory build sheet.

Build sheet or window sticker

If available, the dealer’s build sheet or the original window sticker will list the engine size, along with other powertrain details and options installed at the factory.

Owner manuals and service records

Maintenance receipts, service manuals, and old owner records can corroborate the engine size, especially if an engine upgrade or replacement occurred during ownership.

Summary

The Chevy C60’s engine size is not fixed; it varied by era, configuration, and market. Gasoline V8 options typically spanned from small-block magnitudes up to big-block sizes (roughly 283–454 cu in), with later models sometimes offering 6.2L or 6.5L diesels. To know the exact displacement for a specific C60, identify the model year and use VIN, engine codes, or build data plates to confirm. If you can share the year, location, or VIN, I can help pinpoint the precise engine size.

Do I need a CDL for a C60?

You can drive a box truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 25,999 pounds without a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or more requires a CDL to operate legally.

What were the specs of the Chevy C60?

The Chevy C60 is a medium-duty truck with various specs depending on the model year, but generally it featured gasoline or diesel engines ranging from 230230230 to 427427427 cubic inches, and transmission options included manual 4- or 5-speed transmissions. It was designed for commercial, industrial, and construction use with a gross weight of 22,00022 comma 00022,000 lbs and up.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Chevrolet C60 truck: 41sHeavy Steel MarvelsYouTube · Sep 17, 2025
Engine

• Gasoline: V8 engines like the 327327327 (185185185 hp) and 366366366 were common. Larger options like the 427427427 (185185185 hp) were also available for heavier-duty applications. 
• Diesel: Diesel options were available, with some models offering a 366366366 V8 or DH-478 diesel engine. 
• Inline-6: Some C60s used a 292292292 inline-6 engine, known for its torque and power. 

Transmission and Drivetrain

• Manual: Manual transmissions were standard, with 4- and 5-speed options. 
• Rear Axle: A 2-speed rear axle was often paired with these transmissions, with single-speed axles also available. 

Chassis and Suspension

• Frame: The truck featured a parallel side rail frame with boxed-in front ends for strength. 
• Brakes: The braking system was vacuum-hydraulic, with later models transitioning to full-air brakes. 
• Suspension: A heavier-duty suspension system was offered as an option, with tandem rear axles available for increased load capacity. 

Other Specifications

• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): GVW typically started at 22,00022 comma 00022,000 lbs and could be increased to 60,00060 comma 00060,000 lbs or more for tandem axle models. 
• Cab: The cab was designed to be rugged and functional, with a focus on visibility through large mirrors and a smaller rear window. 
• Towing: The C60 was designed for heavy hauling, with features like an adjustable-height pintle hitch, and was capable of towing heavy loads like mobile homes. 

What were the specs of the Chevy C65?

The specs for a "C65" vary depending on the device, as it can refer to the Poco C65 (MediaTek Helio G85, 6.74" 90Hz display, 5000 mAh battery) or the Realme C65 (MediaTek Helio G85 for the 4G version, or Dimensity 6300 for the 5G version). Key specs for the phones include a 50MP main rear camera, 18W or 45W charging, and up to 90Hz refresh rates on their displays.
 
Poco C65

• Display: 6.74-inch Dot Drop display, 1600x720 resolution, up to 90Hz refresh rate
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G85
• Battery: 5000 mAh with 18W PD charging support
• Camera: 50MP main camera, 2MP macro camera, 8MP front camera
• Storage: 6GB+128GB or 8GB+256GB, expandable up to 1TB
• Operating System: MIUI 14 for POCO 

Realme C65 (4G)

• Display: 6.67-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G85
• Battery: 5000 mAh with 45W fast charging
• Camera: 50MP main camera, 2MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
• Storage: 6GB+128GB or 8GB+256GB, expandable up to 2TB
• Operating System: realme UI 5.0 with Android 14 

Realme C65 5G

• Display: 6.72-inch, 120Hz refresh rate, 1604x720 resolution
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G
• Battery: 5000mAh, 45W fast charging
• Camera: 50MP AI Camera, 8MP front camera
• Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM with 128GB storage options
• Operating System: realme UI 5.0 with Android 14 

What is the GVWR of a 1978 Chevy C60?

GVWRs from 13,800 to 18,500 lbs. 60 Series 60 Mediums feature wheelbases from 125 to 2 18 inches and accommodate many body types. Detroit Diesel 4-53 is available. Other available engines include a 4.7 litre (292 CID) Six, a 5.7 litre (350 CID) V-8, a 5.9 litre (366) CID) V-8 and the 4-53T (55 mm.).