224 Pace-Setter 2-barrel
1955104 hp / 202 lb-ft
Short-stroke economy V8
TorqueList Original Technical Art
Studebaker 224 V8
V8 · N/A
Studebaker · Studebaker OHV V8
Studebaker 224 V8
The short-stroke 1955 V8 created for economy before Studebaker standardized around the 259.
224.3
Cubic inches
Studebaker increased bore but shortened stroke sharply for 1955, producing a very unusual 224-cubic-inch version of its V8. It was dropped quickly when a taller-geared 259 delivered similar economy with better performance.
Key variants
All variants224 Pace-Setter 2-barrel224 four-barrel/dual-exhaust
Displacement
224.3 ci
Bore
3.5625"
Stroke
2.8125"
Years
1955
Key Takeaway
The 224 was an unusual short-stroke variation of Studebaker's V8, using a 3.5625-inch bore and only 2.8125 inches of stroke. The combination was intended to reduce displacement and fuel use while retaining the basic V8 architecture.
Technical Specifications
- Compression
- 7.5:1 standard; 8.0:1 optional
- Horsepower
- 104 hp base / 124 hp with documented dealer-style four-barrel and dual-exhaust combination
- Torque
- 202 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm base
- Architecture
- 90-degree OHV V8
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Cast iron
- Valvetrain
- Pushrod OHV
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Two-barrel carburetor; dealer/performance four-barrel conversions existed
- Firing order
- 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
The 224 was an unusual short-stroke variation of Studebaker's V8, using a 3.5625-inch bore and only 2.8125 inches of stroke. The combination was intended to reduce displacement and fuel use while retaining the basic V8 architecture.
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
- 1955 224 identification is transitional: P/V-prefix usage during 1955 can be confusing, so verify stamped engine number together with the unique 2.8125-inch stroke rather than prefix alone
- Casting numbers
- 533439 (verified 224 crankshaft forging reference), 224/259/289 share the later 3.5625-inch bore family; displacement is determined largely by crank stroke and internal combination
- Power rating
- Period brake horsepower / SAE gross-era rating
- Horsepower RPM
- 104 hp @ 4500 rpm base; 124 hp @ 4500 rpm with documented four-barrel/dual-exhaust combination
- Torque RPM
- 202 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm base; 209 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm with performance induction/exhaust
Rotating Assembly
- Rod length
- 6.6255 in family blueprint dimension
Operating Specs
- Production notes
- For 1955 Studebaker kept the new 3.5625-inch bore but shortened stroke to 2.8125 inches, creating the unusual 224.3-cid V8. The displacement was short-lived in passenger cars and is now one of the rarer Studebaker V8 combinations.
Compatibility Notes
- Because 224/259/289 share the 3.5625-inch bore family, an external block inspection may not reveal displacement. Verify the 2.8125-inch stroke and engine serial.
- Crankshaft, pistons and balance strategy differ from 259/289 engines even where heads, intake and other architecture appear similar.
Notable Applications
1955 Studebaker Commander early productionSelected Studebaker models and export applications
Strengths
- Very short 2.8125-inch stroke
- Large bore relative to displacement
- Unique one-year configuration
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- Extremely short production life
- Low factory output
- Parts demand is dominated by larger Studebaker V8s
Common Upgrades
- Period four-barrel conversion
- Dual exhaust
- Preservation-focused rebuild
Racing History & Legacy
The short-stroke 224 was conceived as an economy-oriented V8 rather than a competition flagship. Studebaker’s performance development moved toward the larger 259/289 and supercharged R-series engines.
The 224 is one of Studebaker's rarest mainstream V8 displacements and a short-lived experiment in fuel economy.
References & Image Credit
Studebaker Drivers Club — 1955 Commander 224 specifications
club reference
Studebaker Drivers Club — V8 blueprint dimensions
technical reference
Studebaker Drivers Club — Studebaker V8 engine history
club technical history
Studebaker Drivers Club — 1955 Commander 224 specifications
club period spec
Studebaker Drivers Club — Studebaker V8 blueprint dimensions
technical reference
Studebaker Drivers Club — V8 identification and serial-prefix guidance
club identification reference
Studebaker Drivers Club — V8 crankshaft forging-number reference
club technical reference
Key Factory / Build Variants
224 four-barrel/dual-exhaust
1955124 hp / 209 lb-ft
Dealer/factory-style higher-output package
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
01
224.3 cu in / 3.7 L with 3.5625 x 2.8125-inch bore and stroke.
02
90-degree cast-iron OHV V8.
03
Two-barrel carburetion in standard form.
04
Documented output: 104 hp base and 202 lb-ft.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Studebaker 224 V8
The 224 was a brief fuel-economy experiment inside Studebaker's young V8 family. Its very short stroke made it distinctive, but the company quickly found the larger 259 offered better overall performance without enough economy penalty to justify keeping the 224.
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