Car aficionados have many loves, but there is one classic design that always brings a nostalgic smile. That design is the straight-six engine. It was a remarkable engine type that produced a smooth ride without sacrificing power, and the best straight-sixes were known to last nearly forever. Among straight-six engines, the most beloved is the Chevy 235.
What makes a Chevy 235 engine great?
It’s a 235-cubic inch V6. It produced between 100 and 150 horsepower and was the standard on a large range of Chevrolet vehicles for many years. It is one of the longest-lasting engines ever produced.
The Chevy 235 engine was so much more than its raw specifications. The engine is a Hall of Famer when it comes to classic cars. The only way to truly encapsulate the magic of this engine is to learn its rich history.
History of the Chevy 235 Engine
The Chevy 235 engine was first released in 1941 as an upgrade to the 216. The new 235 was designed for trucks, giving them a boost in overall power. In 1950, the Chevy 235 was added to the lineup of passenger cars. It was paired with the Powerglide transmission to great success, and by 1954, it was the standard in Chevy cars.
In 1962, Chevy began phasing out the 235 engine. This was the last year it was produced for North American vehicles, and it was phased out globally starting in 1962. To this day, it remains one of the most popular and beloved engines in Chevy’s long history.
Which Models Have a Chevy 235 Engine?
Most famously, the original Corvette used a 235. The series kept the engine until 1956. The 235 was also the standard engine for all Chevy trucks from 1954 to 1962. This includes classic trucks like the Cameo Carrier, the Suburban and the Stovebolt Six.
The Chevy 235 was also standard in GMC trucks from 1950 to 1955. Overall, it was the most common GM engine in use in the late ’50s, and it can still be found in many trucks from the era that have been maintained over the years.
How Much Horsepower Does a Chevy 235 Produce?
The original 235 produced 105 horsepower. By the time it was incorporated into the Corvette, the engineers were able to squeeze another 45 horsepower out of the engine. This was the peak power ever produced by a variant of the 235 engine, and it was phased out in 1955. Subsequent versions of the engine ranged from 125 to 145 horsepower.
What Year Has the Best Chevy 235 Engine?
Most car aficionados would agree that the 235 peaked with the original line of Corvettes. That was the model in production from 1953 to 1955.
Why is the Chevy 235 So Popular?
Straight-six engines are popular primarily for the incredibly smooth ride they produced. The configuration of the cylinders prevented shaking and unevenness when driving. Of the straight-six engines, the Chevy 235 is the most beloved because it was used with the debut line of Corvettes — a complete classic in the history of American muscle.
How Do I Identify a Chevy 235 Engine?
The most reliable way to identify an engine is to find the stamped number. It can be found behind the distributor and will be a mix of letters and numbers. You can then look up that number in a database to see exactly what engine you have.
You can also look up the vehicle by its VIN number and get all of the technical specifications. On older vehicles that might have a Chevy 235 engine, this method is a little less reliable as many older vehicles have had their engines replaced.
