The Powerplant

Not alot, if anything has been said about the engine in the '49 Styleline. Originally the car was equipped with a Inline 6 the 216 cid rated at 92 hp. All the early problems that you can imagine, Non-pressurized oil system, The bottom end had dippers on the rods and nozzles to spray oil on the rods in the oil pan.

We initially choose another Inline 6 for the build, its an easy swap, cheap and all around classy for an early Chevy. The 292 one of the largest Chevrolet Inline 6's makes good power bone stock and can be hopped up to perform.

Our 292 went through a full rebuild, retaining the HEI distributor, adding a chrome valve cover, true duels with stainless steel Borla Header. Factory ratings was a conservative 116 hp and 215 ft tq.

Little details to note, this motor will not work with the OEM parking brake. We modified another one to fit. We converted to 12v at the same time using a one wire alternator. We did a late model 3 speed trans and fitted a late model hydraulic clutch system. A duel reservoir brake master cylinder was a major safety upgrade.

The original radiator runs the big 292 Inline at 185, never climbing higher than 194ish. That's with the OEM '49 mechanical fan and a new replacement water pump for the 292. A standard replacement mechanical fuel pump and an original 292 equipped "Mono jet" carburetor runs silky smooth.

Our block # is 93411147 year, 1986, block cast in Mexico and they say its the better one to have due to high quality steel and no core shift in the casting process.

The 1949 Chevrolet Stylemaster will run its butt off! Highway speeds at 75+mph no problem, around town the torque is so strong that 2nd gear take offs is possible. The big 292 literally twists the car up running through the gears.

No its not a quick, high revving small block. Its a slow revving, low rpm torque motor that is classic. Generation X kids need not apply.