Engine Specifications

In 1960, Chevrolet offered 8 different engine options. The entry level engine for the 1960 Chevrolet full size passenger cars was the 235 Hi Thrift 6 cylinder. It was rated at 135 HP at 4,000 RPM. The base model V8 was the Economy Turbo Fire, a mild cam version of the 283 two barrel V8 with an 8.5:1 compression ratio. It put out a relatively low 170 HP at 4,200 RPM. The highest horsepower 283 V8 in 1960 was the Super Turbo Fire with a four-barrel. It had a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and made 230 HP at 4,800 RPM. The fuel-injected 283 was no longer available in a passenger car for 1960. For the performance minded, the 348 V-8 was the way to go. At the low end was the four-barrel equipped Turbo Thrust that turned out 250 HP at 4,400 RPM. The Super Turbo Thrust V8 had three two-barrel carburetors and produced 280 HP at 4,800 RPM. Both of these engines had a compression ratio of 9.5:1. With the addition of a special camshaft and high-speed valve train with mechanical lifters and a 11.25:1 compression ratio, these engines cranked out some serious power. The four-barrel version, called the Turbo Thrust Special put out 305 HP at 5,200 RPM and was combined with a heavy-duty Powerglide transmission. When combined with a three-speed or four-speed manual transmission, the four-barrel Turbo Thrust Special cranked out 320 HP at 5,600 RPM. Topping off the selection was the impressive Super Turbo Thrust Special, equipped with triple two-barrel carburetors. It developed 335 HP at 5,800 RPM.