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Nash 253ci (1952–1956) specs: 253 ci 6-cylinder, 3.50 x 4.375 in (88.9 x 111.1 mm) bore and stroke. Rated 120-140 hp, 1952–1956. Used in the Nash Nash.
The Nash 253ci (1952–1956) is undersquare — the 4.375" stroke exceeds the 3.5" bore by 20.0% — a layout that trades peak RPM for leverage and torque low in the range. With a 4.375" stroke, mean piston speed reaches 4,000 ft/min at only 5,500 RPM — the practical ceiling for a production bottom end — which is why a stroke this long makes its power low and runs out of safe revs early. Each of the 6 cylinders displaces 42.2 ci (691 cc).
6 factory variants share these dimensions, rated from 120 to 140 hp across 1952–1956.
| Displacement | 253 ci |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.5" |
| Stroke | 4.375" |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Configuration | I6 |
| Compression ratio | 7.3–7.6:1 (published figures vary) |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 0.8 |
| Fuel type | gas |
|---|---|
| Advertised HP | 120–140 hp |
| Years | 1952–1956 |
| Bore/stroke character | 0.800 — undersquare — stroke exceeds bore, which favours low-end torque |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 4,375 ft/min — in the range typical of performance street engines |
| Displacement per cylinder | 42.2 ci |
Each link opens the calculator with this engine's specs already filled in.
These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | 120 hp | — |
| 1953 | 140 hp | — |
| 1954 | — | — |
| 1954 | 130 hp | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1956 | 135 hp | — |
1 factory vehicle, 1952–1956. Each year opens that model's engine table.