Commander 245.6 flathead six
prewar–1950 core era102 hp / 205 lb-ft representative 1950
Large-displacement low-speed-torque Studebaker six
TorqueList Original Technical Art
Studebaker 245.6 Commander Six
Inline6 · N/A
Studebaker · Commander Inline-Six
Studebaker 245.6 Commander Six
The big long-stroke Commander flathead six that immediately preceded Studebaker's first V8.
245.6
Cubic inches
Before the 232 OHV V8 arrived, the 245.6 was Studebaker's larger Commander engine. Its extremely long 4.75-inch stroke delivered low-speed torque but represented an older design Studebaker was eager to replace.
Key variants
All variantsCommander 245.6 flathead six
Displacement
245.6 ci
Bore
3.31"
Stroke
4.75"
Years
Prewar–1950 Commander family era
Key Takeaway
The 245.6 Commander six used a 3.31-inch bore and exceptionally long 4.75-inch stroke. That geometry produced strong low-rpm torque but also reflected an older flathead design philosophy that Studebaker soon replaced with its new OHV V8.
Technical Specifications
- Compression
- 7.0:1 standard / 7.5:1 optional in documented 1950 specification
- Horsepower
- 102 hp @ 3200 rpm in documented 1950 specification
- Torque
- 205 lb-ft @ 1200 rpm in documented 1950 specification
- Architecture
- Inline six-cylinder L-head / side-valve
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Cast iron
- Valvetrain
- Side-valve L-head, mechanical lifters in documented 1950 specification
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Single-barrel carburetor
- Firing order
- 1-5-3-6-2-4
- Main bearings
- 4
The 245.6 Commander six used a 3.31-inch bore and exceptionally long 4.75-inch stroke. That geometry produced strong low-rpm torque but also reflected an older flathead design philosophy that Studebaker soon replaced with its new OHV V8.
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
- Commander 245.6 flathead six — identify by stamped engine number/vehicle application; Studebaker six-cylinder prefixes and sequences vary by model year and car/truck line
- Casting numbers
- No single universal block/head casting is retained for the full prewar–1950 245.6 run; verify casting/date, engine number, 3.31-inch bore and 4.75-inch stroke together.
- Power rating
- Period brake horsepower / SAE gross-era rating
- Horsepower RPM
- 102 hp @ 3200 rpm in documented 1950 specification
- Torque RPM
- 205 lb-ft @ 1200 rpm in documented 1950 specification
Operating Specs
- Production notes
- The Commander six used a long 4.75-inch stroke and produced peak torque at very low rpm. Its 1950 specification was the final full model year before Studebaker’s 232-cid OHV V8 became the senior engine.
Compatibility Notes
- Commander 245.6 six-cylinder parts are not interchangeable with the smaller Champion 169.6 family simply because both are Studebaker flatheads; block dimensions, rotating assembly and many service parts differ.
- Verify engine number, transmission application and year before sourcing flywheel, clutch, starter, distributor, water pump or carburetor components.
Notable Applications
Studebaker CommanderStudebaker Land Cruiser
Strengths
- Excellent low-rpm torque
- Simple proven construction
- Strong pre-V8 Studebaker heritage
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- Very long 4.75-inch stroke
- Flathead breathing limits output
- Heavy and less efficient than the 1951 OHV V8
Common Upgrades
- Carburetor restoration
- Electronic ignition conversion
- Cooling-system refresh
Racing History & Legacy
The 245.6 Commander six was primarily a durable torque engine for larger Studebakers rather than a dedicated factory race program. Its importance is as the final major senior flathead six before Studebaker replaced it with the new in-house OHV V8 for 1951.
The 245.6 was the final major Commander flathead six before Studebaker moved to its modern in-house V8.
References & Image Credit
Key Factory / Build Variants
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
01
245.6 cu in / 4.0 L with 3.31 x 4.75-inch bore and stroke.
02
Cast-iron L-head inline-six with mechanical lifters in documented 1950 form.
03
Single-barrel carburetion.
04
Documented 1950 output: 102 hp and 205 lb-ft.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Studebaker 245.6 Commander Six
Before Studebaker's first V8, the 245.6 was the senior torque engine for Commander and Land Cruiser models. Its long stroke made it smooth and strong at low rpm, but by 1951 the design was clearly ready for replacement.
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