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Studebaker 259ci (1955–1964) specs: 259 ci 8-cylinder, 3.563 x 3.25 in (90.5 x 82.6 mm) bore and stroke. Rated 162-195 hp, 1955–1964.
The Studebaker 259ci (1955–1964) is oversquare — the 3.5625" bore exceeds the 3.25" stroke by 9.6% — a layout that favors airflow and RPM over leverage at the crank. The 3.25" stroke does not reach 4,000 ft/min of mean piston speed until about 7,400 RPM, so piston speed is not what limits this engine's revs — valvetrain and breathing are. Each of the 8 cylinders displaces 32.4 ci (531 cc).
16 factory variants share these dimensions, rated from 162 to 195 hp across 1955–1964.
| Displacement | 259 ci |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.5625" |
| Stroke | 3.25" |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Compression ratio | 7.5–8.8:1 (published figures vary) |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.096 |
| Fuel type | gas |
|---|---|
| Advertised HP | 162–195 hp |
| Years | 1955–1964 |
| Bore/stroke character | 1.096 — oversquare — bore exceeds stroke, which favours higher RPM and larger valves |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,250 ft/min — conservative for a street engine |
| Displacement per cylinder | 32.4 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | 162 hp | — |
| 1955 | 185 hp | — |
| 1956 | — | — |
| 1956 | 185 hp | — |
| 1957 | — | — |
| 1957 | 180 hp | — |
| 1957 | 195 hp | — |
| 1959 | — | — |
| 1959 | 180 hp | — |
| 1959 | 195 hp | — |
| 1960 | 180 hp | — |
| 1960 | 195 hp | — |
| 1961 | 180 hp | — |
| 1962 | 180 hp | — |
| 1962 | 195 hp | — |
| 1964 | 180 hp | — |
4 factory vehicles, 1955–1964. Each year opens that model's engine table.