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International Harvester V-266 SV V8

V8 · N/A

4.4L

International Harvester · SV V8

International Harvester V-266 SV V8

The smallest production SV V8 and an early V8 option for Scouts and International light trucks.

266

Cubic inches

The 266 introduced Scout buyers to International's own compact V8 family rather than an outside supplier, establishing the architecture that grew through 304, 345 and 392 cubic inches.

Key variants

All variantsV-266 Scout/Light Line

Displacement

266 ci

Bore

3.625"

Stroke

3.21875"

Years

1959–1960s core era; Scout use documented 1967–1968

Key Takeaway

The 266 was the smallest member of International’s SV V8 family, using a 3.625-inch bore and short 3.21875-inch stroke. Its deep-skirt cast-iron block and truck-oriented OHV architecture emphasized strength and low-speed torque over light weight or high-rpm airflow.

Technical Specifications

Compression: 8.4:1 in documented Scout specification
Horsepower: 155 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque: 227 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Architecture: 90-degree OHV SV-series V8
Block: Cast iron deep-skirt truck block
Cylinder heads: Cast iron
Valvetrain: Pushrod OHV
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Fuel delivery: Carbureted
Firing order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Internal Specifications

Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.

Identification & Output

Engine codes / RPO: V-266 / 266 SV
Casting numbers: IH SV blocks are best identified by the machined engine-ID pad/serial plus bore/stroke and application; no single casting number is retained here as proof of a 266.
Power rating: SAE gross / period brake horsepower in documented Scout specification
Horsepower RPM: 155 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque RPM: 227 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Operating Specs

Production notes: The 266 was the smallest member of International’s SV V8 family. Scout availability began in the late 1960s before the 304 became the more common small SV option.

Compatibility Notes

IH’s 266/304/345/392 SV engines share architecture but use different bore/stroke combinations and application hardware. Verify engine ID before buying internals.
The IH 304/266 family is unrelated to AMC V8s despite overlapping displacement numbers and some shared vehicle applications.

Notable Applications

International Scout 800International pickupsInternational Travelall

Strengths

Heavy-duty block design
Strong low-speed torque
Shares SV-family architecture

Weaknesses / Watch-outs

Heavy for displacement
Smallest bore in SV family limits airflow
Truck-oriented rather than high-rpm design

Common Upgrades

Electronic ignition
Four-barrel conversion where appropriate
Dual exhaust

Racing History & Legacy

The 266 was designed as a heavy-duty light-truck and Scout V8 rather than a factory racing engine. Its main historical importance is introducing SV V8 power into the Scout line.

The 266 opened the Scout chapter of the SV V8 family and established the architecture that grew into the 304, 345, and 392.

References & Image Credit

IH Scout engine specification document

technical reference

Scout Connection — factory Scout engine availability

specialist historical reference

International Harvester engine application and carburetion catalog reference

application reference

IH Scout engine specification document

technical reference

IH Parts America — International SV V8 firing order and timing reference

specialist service reference

Key Factory / Build Variants

V-266 Scout/Light Line

1960s

155 hp / 227 lb-ft representative Scout rating

Smallest production IH SV V8

Engineering Notes Worth Knowing

3.625 x 3.21875-inch bore and stroke; 266 cu in / 4.4 L.

90-degree OHV SV-series V8 with deep-skirt cast-iron block.

Documented Scout output: 155 hp at 4,400 rpm and 227 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm.

Used in Scout 800, International pickups, and Travelall applications.

History · context · related reading

The Story Behind International Harvester V-266 SV V8

The 266 brought International’s own V8 power into the Scout instead of relying on an outside engine supplier. It gave the compact utility vehicle a distinctly truck-engine V8 with the same durability priorities seen throughout International’s lineup.

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