The best-known small block V8 in GM's stable, the Chevy 350 engine is considered one of the 20th century's best engines. Sought after for its durability, quiet operation and performance, the 350 has also earned a reputation for reliability and usability in a variety of applications, including boats.
GM made extensive use of the 350 across its lineup until 2004, when it was discontinued in favor of more modern and fuel-efficient engines.
Chevy 350 Engine History
Chevrolet first produced the small block V8 in 1955 as a 256 cubic inch (4.3-liter) engine. By 1967, though, it had grown into the high-performance 350 cubic inch power plant used in the cars such as the Chevrolet Camaro. It went on to power everything from the Corvette to the Caprice, and was either standard or optional on many Buick, Cadillac and Oldsmobile sedans and wagons.
Beginning in 1985, Corvettes featured a fuel-injected version of the Chevy 350 engine; other passenger cars equipped with the 350 engine continued to use a four-barrel carburetor. Computer-controlled emissions systems became standard on all Chevy 350 engines in the early 1980s, with throttle body fuel injection becoming standard around 1988.
Chevy 350 Engine Specs
The Chevy 350 engine is a 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) small block V8 with a 4.00 and 3.48 inch bore and stroke. Depending on the year, make and model of a car, horsepower ranges from approximately 145 to more than 370. Rated at up to 380 pound-feet of torque, this engine is great for towing; however, fuel economy is low and -- depending on the compression ratio -- it might require premium fuel.
GM uses RPO codes, or Regular Production Option, to identify its engines; Chevy 350 engine codes are stamped near the cylinder head on the passenger side, where the alternator may hide it. The majority of engine codes begin with the letter L -- L31, for instance.
Chevy 350 Replacement Parts
Long considered one of the easiest engines to rebuild, the Chevy 350 is commonly modified for increased performance with a plethora of aftermarket parts, including high-performance intake and exhaust components. Numerous websites and service manuals feature diagrams, as well as information on general maintenance, modifications and engine rebuilding.
Chevy 350 Crate Engines
Many companies offer new and rebuilt Chevy 350 crate engines for sale. Among them is Mr. Goodwrench, which produces new Chevy 350 crate engines in numerous configurations. The base version of this engine makes 195 horsepower and features an 8.5 compression ratio. These engines are available in 2-bolt and 4-bolt versions; those intended for cars built after 1987 have an enhanced hydraulic roller lifter camshaft for better performance.
Websites that offer crate 350s include Chevy350Engines.com, Rebuilt-Auto-Engines.com and Jegs.com. If you need a modified 350 for use in a high-performance muscle car, you can visit SummitRacing.com.
FAQs
Chevy 350 Engine Specs
How reliable is a Chevy 350 engine? ›
It's one of the most reliable engines ever
Even if you drive in tough conditions, the Chevy 350 remains very dependable and keeps running. It's been around since 1967, and Chevy was making small-block engines long before then. Everything about the Chevy 350 stands the test of time.
What is the horsepower of a 350 Chevy engine? ›
Specs For Chevy 350 5.7 Small Block Engines
The compression ratio of the engine varies depending on the specific model and can range anywhere from 8.0:1 to 10.25:1. The horsepower output of a stock 350 engine also varies depending on the specific model, but can range from 145 to 370 horsepower.
What is the most horsepower you can get out of a Chevy 350? ›
With a stock block, using after market crank, rods, pistons, bolts, heads, etc., you could expect a small block 350 to make upwards of 450 HP and for it to reliably handle upwards of 550 - 600 HP, and a big block with the same aftermarket components to make power in the 500 to 600 HP area, and be able to handle upwards ...
Can you get 400hp out of a 350? ›
Building a 350 to produce 400hp is really no big deal, but doing it for chump change is decidedly more difficult. In this case, chump change meant building our small-block with a ceiling of just $1,000.
What is number one on a Chevy 350? ›
#1 cylinder is the front one on the left (drivers) side. Odd cylinders are on the left, even cylinders are on the right. 1–8–4–3–6–5–7–2. Chevrolet used this sequence on the new 265 small block V-8 in 1954–55 and followed with the 283, 302, 307, 327, 350 and the 400 small block with a few rare year models I didnt list.
When did Chevy stop making the 350 engine? ›
Right up until its official discontinuation in 2002, the 350 was helping power millions of vehicles. According to some estimates, over 250 million Chevy 350 engines were produced between 1967 and 2002.
How many miles per gallon does a 350 Chevy get? ›
17 to 18 mpg with out a topper on it. 18+mpg with a leer fiberglass topper on it. best configuration for mpg on MY truck I have ONCE gotten 19.8 but never really gotten any better then 18.4 ever again I start to get close to the numbers and something happens to kill it. all for toll boths... and never going above 67..
How many miles will a Chevy 350 last? ›
229k miles is not unheard of for a properly maintained 350. You could do a compression test and leak down test to analyze the health of the motor. Ive seen 350's with 700 000km, ive seen them blown with 50 000km. All comes down to maintenance, and how they are drivin.
What is the strongest Chevy block? ›
Chevrolet Performance ZZ632/1000 (1,004 hp)
Developed by Chevrolet's elite team of engineers, the ZZ632/1000 represents the peak of big-block engine technology, delivering mind-bending power and uncompromising performance.
You “can” get 500HP out of a 350 BUT because it is a small cubic inch engine it IS going to be peaky and won't have much torque.
Why is the Chevy 350 so popular? ›
Easy V8 power
A comprehensive list of every vehicle that housed a 350 would fill several volumes. Part of the 350's popularity lies in the availability of parts. In its stock form, the engine was available in a wide range of Chevy vehicles for several decades, lasting from the 1955 until 2004 (per Cars Direct).
How to increase HP on a 350 Chevy? ›
Two-Barrel Carb to a Four: Upgrading your Chevy 350's stock two-barrel carburetor to a four-barrel, like a Holley 650 double pumper, is a great way to add more horsepower. This swap increases air and fuel intake, directly translating to more power.
How much horsepower can a stock 350 Vortec handle? ›
Originally Answered: How much horsepower does a 350 Vortec engine have? Somewhere around the 240 HP region ( In stock as in installed trim ) . on a Dyno with no accessories on it they dyno at about the 300HP region. But the heads can flow well enough for 400HP.
How much horsepower does a carbureted 350 have? ›
The Chevy 350 engine is a 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) small block V8 with a 4.00 and 3.48 inch bore and stroke. Depending on the year, make and model of a car, horsepower ranges from approximately 145 to more than 370.
Who made the best 350 engine? ›
“Chevy 350. Most reliable, and I'm pretty sure it's the most transplanted engine in automotive history. I'm willing to bet there are more Ford T-buckets powered by 350s out there than powered by Ford motors.” –Justin G. “The 350 SBC is the best engine ever made.
What is the most reliable small-block Chevy engine? ›
Chevrolet 350 Small Block
This engine is considered one of the most reliable engines by many car enthusiasts. It was used in various Chevrolet vehicles from 1967 to 2003. This engine was known for its durability, ease of maintenance, and power output.
Which Chevy model is the most reliable? ›
Are Chevy Cars Reliable?
- The Chevy Cruze is one of the top three most reliable compact cars on the road, and the Chevy Malibu is one of the top three most reliable cars in its own midsize segment.
- The Chevy Camaro also received an honorable mention for being one of the most reliable midsize sporty cars!
From 1954 to 1974, the small-block engine was known as the "Turbo-Fire" or "High Torque" V8. However, it was the 350 cu in (5.7 L) series that became the best-known Chevrolet small-block.
