The L31 engine was touted as the “Vortec 5700” engine- while being internally known as the L31 engine. The engine was then either an optional or standard engine in various Cadillac, Oldsmobile and Buick wagons and sedans. At the end of the day, the best year for a Chevy 350 engine comes down to two things above all else: classic feel vs. modern performance. See how they compare in horsepower, torque, and other technical specifications. All in all, it enjoyed one of the longest production runs of any engine ever produced. Over the years, GM used the 4-bolt main as a marketing strategy to convince consumers that it was the right choice and it was for blocks made in … Source: Car Gurus. Receive an email when we publish a new post. Well it was not only emissions-friendly, but the engine was very fuel efficient. Those head were found during the middle of the 1986 model year. 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. Used in C/K/G 10/20 trucks under 8,500 lbs. The 350 engine features forged steel connecting rods that measure 5.7 inches in length. Back in 1970, when the LT-1 was on the scene, it was considered one of the “modern wonders of the world”- and with good reasons. Here is a somewhat exhaustive list (not accounting for the numerous sub-variations of each that have been produced for various specific vehicles over the years).VariantStart YearEnd YearNotable FeaturesL4819671980Hydraulic cam; Quadrajet carburetor, power output of 300 hp and 380 lb⋅ft (515 N⋅m) torque; 10.25:1 compression ratioL46196919702.02 / 1.6” valve heads; 11.0:1 compression ratio; high octane gasZQ319691974300 HP; 10.25:1 compression; hydraulic lifters; Rochester Quadra-Jet 4-barrel carburetor.LS919691986Used in C/K/G 10/20 trucks under 8,500 lbs. SP350/357 BASE MORE INFO. It’s one of Chevy’s most versatile crate engines created by … 10067353. These are a rare find in a junkyard, but can sometimes be found as a take-out engine from a build (though not cheap). If you have a Chevy 350, then consider investing in a good carburetor. At the end of the day, the best year for a Chevy 350 engine comes down to two things above all else: classic feel vs. modern performance. At the time, this was a big number indeed. Used chevy engines are a good option but never carry a warranty worthy of the price you pay up front. Introduced in 1985, the L98, along with its 305 little brother, valiantly battled with the Ford 5.0L for factory performance supremacy until the LT family came along in 1992. It’s a great investment. Get the Best Engine for Your Dollar. Then came the 427, and 454. What the the difference between a 305 and a 350 Chevy engines It was introduced as the 300 hp L-48 in the ’67 Camaro, and over the years found its way into all of the other Chevy models. Figure 3: A 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, one of the first cars to boast a Chevy 350 engine. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Tuned-port fuel injection “TPI”; 230 HP; aluminum cylinder heads; compression varying between 9.0:1 and 10.0:1. The engine also featured, “… aluminum heads, main bearings, rod bearings, cam, cam bushings, and a gasket set.” Click here to read more! {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. This will mean dish head pistons, large combustion chambers (84cc) and crappy gas mileage. These years of Chevy engines use a low lift, short duration cam. Rochester Quadra-jet 4bbl carburetor; dual-plane aluminum. Maybe the year for you was 2002, with the L31 engine. "Main Caps" is the number of bolts holding the cap. This new version featured a tuned -port fuel injection) system or a TPI as well as sturdy aluminum cylinder heads. It has become the standard bearer for all Chevy small-block engines. Source: Ohio Speed Shops. Chuck Fitch of Pace said, “This engine remains our most popular crate engine of all time. Just be aware that a particular intake manifold is required, owing to the 8 bolts used (4 per head) to attach the manifold to the block. It is essential to know which carburetor is the best for your car’s engine so that you can enjoy all the benefits that this component is known for. Those original LT-1s from 1970 will go down as some of the best engines of their time. Can A Corroded Battery Terminal Be Fixed? However, “we can say that the L31 comes with cylinders that work with most older models” of Chevys. 190 HP; 8.2:1 compression ratio; cam and computer control spark advance; “smart” carburetor. Many after-market crate engines will include the rotating assembly the block and the heads. Though it uses a novel 4-bolt block and includes new cylinder heads and block castings, along with a forged steel crankshaft, this engine is in all essential respects a modern upgrade to the classic Chevy 350. What Year is the Best Chevrolet (Chevy) 350 Engine? Gearhead Engines offers a wide range of Chevy 350 engines. The LT-1 was the last and arguably greatest of the old fuel-guzzling, emissions-spewing 350 engines. Review the Best 4 Cylinder Engines for Both New and Used Models, Review the Best Exhaust for Nissan 350z for New and Used Models, Review the 4 Best Subaru Engines to Buy Both New and Used. Pace Performance: New Chevy 350 CID V8 – Universal Crate Engine, part no. That’s what we’re here to discuss today. The working of an engine is simple. Today's gasoline won't support a higher compression engine, without adding additives, (Octane booster) at every fill up. ; Rochester 4-bbl carburetor; 165 HP.L6519701976250 HP High Performance 2bbl Rochester carburetor.LT-119701975Solid lifters; 11.0:1 compression; 178 high-performance camshaft; rams’ horn exhaust; max of 370 HP.L8219761989Rochester Quadra-jet 4bbl carburetor; dual-plane aluminum intake manifold; hydraulic-lifter cam; 9.0:1 compression; 250 HP.LM1197919884-barrel carburetor; maximum 175 HP; mechanical ignition points; computer-controlled spark system.L8119811981190 HP; 8.2:1 compression ratio; cam and computer control spark advance; “smart” carburetor.LT-919811986160 HP; 8.3:1 compression; carbureted with Rochester Quadrajets.L8319821984200 HP; 9.0:1 compression; “cross-fire” fuel injection.L9819851992Tuned-port fuel injection “TPI”; 230 HP; aluminum cylinder heads; compression varying between 9.0:1 and 10.0:1.L0519871996Used in Chevrolet/GMC trucks in the GMT400.L31199620025.7L V8 truck engine; combustion chambers and intake ports; compatible with all older small blocks; eight bolts attaching the intake; 255 HP. 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