You’re thinking about a Camaro or an old-school El Camino. When it comes to buying these or any other vehicle, it’s all about the engine. What’s under the hood defines success on the road. How does the Chevy 350 Crate engine stack up?
What are the specs of the Chevy 350 Crate engine?
The Chevy 350 Crate engine was used for decades with various configurations. It is a small block Chevy Vortec motor with 350 cubic inch (5.7 liter) displacement producing 375 lbs.-ft of torque and 290 horsepower.
If you’re considering the Chevy 350 Crate engine, you’ll want to check out the history of it. Here, we’ll provide that as well as answer some questions about this engine you may have. Always check out the specs of any pre-owned car you’re thinking about at Vehicle History.
The History of the Chevy 350 Crate Engine
The Chevy 350 crate engine first made its appearance on the 1967 Camaro. This engine features a 3.48 stroke and was a high-performance L-48 option for that car. The next year, it was produced for the Chevrolet Nova.
It later was put into the rest of the company’s line up – all Chevrolet vehicles at that time could be ordered with the 350 in it. It could also be found in the Beaumont. That vehicle was produced by Pontiac Canada, who used the Chevy chassis and drivelines in many of their vehicles.
From 1967 through 1980, the engine was still available for the Camaro, but also for a variety of other vehicles including Chevelles, El Caminos, Impalas, and Caprices. It wasn’t just used in the U.S. Rather, it was exported to Australia and used in the Holden Monaro and the Statesman.
A variety of the engine was later used as the base engine for GMs lines. This appeared in the K20 and K30 pickup trucks as well as the G model passenger and cargo vans, and later the P30 was used in some motorhomes – this engine gets around a lot.
In 1982, the company was using it just in the Corvette, getting 200 horsepower and 285 lb.-ft of torque. By this time, and continuing onward, the engine was used in various generations. Small changes and updates were made to ensure it fit the needs of the modern consumer.
The Vortec 5700 L31 was the latest version of the small block engine for the initial generation. It was a truck engine at that time. The engine would go on to meet other needs, including being used in the 1996 G-Series vans.
Interestingly, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile also had a version of this engine in it. Now that’s some history for you on the Chevy 350 crate engine that you probably didn’t already know.
Which Models Have a Chevy 350 Crate Engine?
This engine has been used in multiple models of vehicles. The engine was well used and loved not only by Chevrolet and GM but by various other brands as well. You’ll find it present on numerous cars and trucks including:
- 1967 Camaro
- Corvette
- Nova
- Caprice
- Buick vehicles
You’ll find it used in numerous makes and models throughout the last decades.
Should You Buy a Car with a Chevy 350 Crate Engine?
You have lots of options out there in engines, but from what we know, this one is a solid buy. It may be an excellent choice for you if everything else on the vehicle checks out. To find that out, check out Vehicle History for your make, model, and year.
