The 1951 Chevrolet engines and transmission were basically the same as 1950. Horsepower inched up from 90 to 92 in the standard shift engines. The 1951 Chevy engines still were without pressure lubrication and pistons were still made of cast iron.
Competitive pressures would continue to grow for a larger engine. However, it would be a few more years before Chevrolet would
develop the V-8.
So just how well did the 2 6 cylinder engines perform? The answer was about the same as their predecessors going all the way back to 1937.
Not surprisingly, with so little change under the hood, there was equally, little change in performance on the road. The only thing good about the 1951 stove-bolt was the fact that it was very reliable.
1951 Chevy 6 Cylinder Engine
216.5 Cubic Inch - 92 Horse Power
Equipped With 3 Speed Standard Transmission
Specifications: Inline six with overhead valves and cast iron block. Displacement was 216.5 cubic inch with a bore and stroke of 3-1/2 X 3 3/4 inches. Compression ratio of 6.5:1 developing 90 horsepower. Block had four main bearings and solid valve lifters. Carburetor was a single barrel Rochester, Carter or Stromberg. Rear end had a 4.11:1 gear ratio and most 1951 Chevrolet cars were equipped with a 3 speed standard transmission.
1951 Chevy 6 Cylinder Engine
235 Cubic Inch - 105 Horse Power
Equipped With 2-Speed Powerglide Transmission
Specifications: 1951 Chevrolet engine - Inline six cylinder, overhead valve, cast iron block. Displacement was up slightly to 235.5 cubic inch, bore and stroke 3-9/16 X 3-15/16 inches, compression ratio was 6.7:1 and developed 105 horsepower. Four main bearings, solid valve lifters and larger intake values for 1951.
