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What was the specs of the 265 engine in 1956?

The 265 engine, also known as the Chevrolet Small Block V8, was a groundbreaking engine design that debuted in 1955 and became a staple of American automotive history. In 1956, this engine offered impressive performance and reliability that made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and manufacturers alike.


Engine Specifications


The 265 engine in 1956 had the following key specifications:



  • Displacement: 265 cubic inches (4.3 liters)

  • Horsepower: 162 hp at 4,400 rpm

  • Torque: 246 lb-ft at 2,400 rpm

  • Compression Ratio: 8.0:1

  • Bore x Stroke: 3.75 inches x 3.00 inches (95.25 mm x 76.2 mm)

  • Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV) design with hydraulic lifters

  • Fuel System: Single-barrel carburetor


The 265 engine was a significant upgrade from the previous Chevrolet inline six-cylinder engines, offering more power, torque, and a more modern V8 design. This engine quickly became a popular choice for a wide range of Chevrolet models, from the Bel Air to the Corvette.


Engine Performance and Popularity


The 265 engine's combination of power, reliability, and affordability made it a standout in the 1950s automotive market. Its performance was impressive for the time, with the ability to propel cars from 0 to 60 mph in around 12 seconds, a respectable figure for the era.


The 265 engine's popularity was further bolstered by its widespread use in Chevrolet's lineup, appearing in models such as the Bel Air, Impala, and Corvette. This engine's success laid the foundation for the Chevrolet Small Block V8 family, which would go on to become one of the most iconic and long-lasting engine designs in automotive history.

What was the difference between the 1955 and 1956 Chevy pickup?


The 1956 models were unchanged, although the side nameplate moved up above the fender crease and a new emblem adorned the hood. Base prices rose from $1494 in 1955 to $1619, and the V-8 (called Trademaster) produced 155 horsepower while the six jumped to 140.



How much horsepower does a 1955 265 have?


Back in 1955, the new 265 came in three configurations: 162 horsepower two barrel, a Power Pack 180-horsepower with four barrel and dual exhaust and later that year, the coveted 195-horse Super Power Pack with a solid lifter Duntov cam, higher compression pistons and a free flowing dual exhaust setup.



What is the strongest Chevy truck engine?


Chevrolet Silverado HD: The Ultimate Workhorse
For drivers who demand the absolute best in terms of horsepower, the Chevrolet Silverado HD delivers in spades. With its available Duramax® 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine, the Silverado HD churns out an astounding 445 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 910 lb-ft of torque.



Is a Chevy 265 a good engine?


Chevrolet 265
introduced in the 1955 model year was built with entirely new standards. "To give you truly fine performance, it is powerful, smooth, and quiet. Because it is highly efficient, it accomplishes these important benefits with less power loss, which mean outstanding economy and durability.



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 engines were available in a 1956 Chevy?


1956

  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 140 hp (104 kW).
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 170 hp (127 kW).
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with quad barrel carburetor rated at 210 hp (157 kW)
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with dual-quad barrel carburetors rated at 225 hp (168 kW)



What was the first year for the Chevy 265?


1955
The 1955 Chevrolet was the first year of the 265-cubic inch overhead valve V8, which turned into the most popular V8 engine ever built and sti…



How much horsepower does a Chevy 283 have?


The 195-bhp, two-barrel 283 was standard in the V-8 model, which listed for $2470. The six-cylinder model, priced $118 less at $2352, came with Chevrolet's reliable 235.5-cid Hi-Thrift six, which was newly detuned to 135 bhp in the interest of operating economy.



What is a 1955 Chevy 265 CU in 4.3 L V-8?


The first generation of Chevrolet small-blocks began with the 1955 Chevrolet 265 cu in (4.3 L) V8 offered in the Corvette and Bel Air. The engine quickly gained popularity among stock car racers, and was nicknamed the "Mighty Mouse," after the then-popular cartoon character, later abbreviated to "Mouse".



How much horsepower did a 1956 Chevy 265 have?


225 horsepower
In 1956, the ultimate Power Pack produced a conservative 225 horsepower. The next couple of years found the 265 featuring dual four barrels, fuel injection and then growing to 283 in 1957, 327 in 1962 and then 350 by 1966 with horsepower ratings all the way up to 375 in the Corvette.


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.