1958 Classic Chevrolet - Engines and Drivetrains

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In 1958, Chevy changed everything including the choice of engines. Customers had six great V8's and a fuel thrifty 6 to choose from! The most important change was the addition of the radically new 348 cubic inch big block V8.

The new 348 cubic inch engine was originally scheduled to be used only by the Chevrolet Truck Division. However, Chevrolet engineers went to the the very heart of the 348 engine, the combustion chamber, were performance is born and built a radically new V8's around it.

The 348 cubic inch Turbo Thrust with its 9.5:1 compression ratio was rated at 250 horsepower and was equipped with four barrel carburetion. The 348 cubic inch Super Turbo Thrust with the same compression ratio but equipped with triple two barrel carburetion (three deuces) was rated at 280 horsepower.

During the production year 1958, another 348 cubic inch Super Turbo Thrust was released by Chevrolet. This engine was rated at 315 horsepower. The additional horsepower was accomplished by using solid lifters and a special high lift cam. This powerful engine was also equipped with triple two barrel carburetion (three deuces).

The public's positive response to this increased horsepower lead to the muscle car trend of the 1960s. If fact, the 1958 Chevrolet Impala equipped with a 348 cubic inch V8 could be called the first muscle car.

1958 Chevrolet Ramjet Fuel Injection V-8

Appearing for the first time in 1957, Chevrolet's Ramjet Fuel Injection was back in 1958. The 1958 Chevy Ramjet 283 cubic inch V-8 was rated at 250 horsepower and had a 9.5:1 compression ratio. The Ramjet fuel injection, developed by John Dolza, E.A. Kehoe, Donald Stoltman and Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, was manufactured by GM's Rochester carburetor division. Advantages of the Ramjet Fuel Injection was of course increased power and better overall fuel economy. Other advantages was instant accelerator response, faster cold starts and smoother engine warm-ups.

1958 Chevrolet 283 Super Turbo Fire V-8

Chevy's first small block, the 265 cubic inch V-8 was no longer offered in 1958. However, two 283 cubic inch V-8's returned. The Turbo Fire 283 cubic inch V-8 was rated at 230 horse power and equipped with two barrel carburetion. This was Chevy's most popular engine and continued to be for many years. The Super Turbo Fire 283 cubic inch, 8.5:1 comp ratio V-8 was rated at 230 horsepower and equipped with four barrel carburetion.

1958 Chevrolet 235.5 Cubic Inch Blue Flame Six Cylinder

1958 Chevrolet Blue Flame Six Cylinder

The old Blue Flame Six Cylinder was back in 1958 and Chevrolet managed to squeeze out another 5 horsepower for a total of 145. They did this by increasing the Blue Flame cubic inches from 235 to 235.5 and increasing the compression ratio from 8.0:1 to 8.25:1. The Blue Flame Six Cylinder could be found in all 1958 Chevrolets, from the Impala to the Delray. Not much power but very dependable.

Engine - Transmission Specifications and Availability for 1958

Super Turbo Thrust V-8 348ci, 9.5:1 comp ratio, 315 HP triple 2bl carb
3 speed transmission and turboglide transmission

Super Turbo Thrust V-8 348ci, 9.5:1 comp ratio, 280 HP triple 2bl carb
3 speed transmission and turboglide transmission

Turbo Thrust V-8 348ci, 9.5:1 comp ratio, 250 HP 4bl carb
3 speed transmission, turboglide and powerglide transmissions

Ramjet Fuel Injection V-8 283ci, 9.5:1 comp ratio, 250 HP
3 speed transmission, turboglide transmission

Super Turbo Fire V-8 283ci, 8.5:1 comp ratio, 230 HP 4bl carb
3 speed, 3 speed overdrive, turboglide and powerglide transmissions

Turbo Fire V-8 283ci, 8.5:1 comp ratio, 185 HP 2bl carb
3 speed, 3 speed overdrive, turboglide and powerglide transmissions

Blue Flame Six 235.5ci, 8.25:1 comp ratio, 145 HP 1 bl carb
3 speed, 3 speed overdrive, turboglide and powerglide transmissions

Transmissions Specifications
Turboglide - Five element torque converter with pump, three turbines and dual pitch stator controlled by accelerator pedal. Two turbine operated planetary gear sets. Single forward "Drive" range. Grade retarder, powerful reverse and positive parking lock. Selector sequence P-R-N-D-GR.
Powerglide - Three element torque converter (pump, turbine and stator) with automatically controlled planetary gears in "Drive" range, manually selected for "Low" and "Reverse". Positive parking lock. Selector sequence P-R-N-D-L.
Overdrive - 3 speed Synchro-mesh plus 2 speed planetary overdrive engaged semi-automatic above approximately 30 MPH. Downshift to direct drive by flooring accelerator. Lock out control handle.
Synchro-Mesh - 3 speed All helical gear Synchro-mesh with high torque capacity. Gear ratios matched to power team: 348 cubic inch V8 first and reverse 2.2:1, second 1.31:1, third 1:1, 283 cubic inch V8 first 2.47:1, second 1.53:1, third 1:1, reverse 2.80:1, 6 cylinder first and reverse 2.94:1, second 1.68:1, third 1:1.