Chevrolet 350ci engine

The Chevrolet 350ci engine is one of the most iconic and widely used V8 engines in American automotive history, especially in GM (Chevrolet) vehicles. Here’s a detailed overview: Chevrolet 350ci engine

Basic Specs

• Displacement: 350 cubic inches (5.7 liters)

• Configuration: 90° V8

• Bore x Stroke: 4.00″ x 3.48″

• Valvetrain: OHV (Overhead Valve), 16 valves (2 per cylinder)

• Fuel Type: Gasoline

• Block Material: Cast iron (some aftermarket/aluminum versions exist)

• Heads: Cast iron or aluminum (depending on trim/aftermarket)

• Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Performance Range of Chevrolet 350ci engine

• Horsepower:

  • Ranged from ~145 hp (smog-era 1970s) to over 370 hp in performance versions (like the L82 or LT-1)

  • With aftermarket upgrades, many crate 350s easily exceed 400+ hp

• Torque: 250–400+ lb-ft depending on build and tuning

History & Applications 

• Introduced: 1967 (in the Camaro SS)

• Production Span: 1967–early 2000s (various forms)

• Used In:

  • Chevrolet Camaro

  • Chevelle

  • Corvette

  • Nova

  • Monte Carlo

  • C/K trucks, Suburban, Blazer

  • GMC trucks

  • Boats, hot rods, custom builds

Famous Variants

Why It’s Loved

• Tons of aftermarket support

• Simple and durable design

• Endlessly upgradable

• Cheap to maintain and rebuild

• Ideal for hot rods, resto-mods, and custom builds

Common Mods

• Aluminum heads

• Roller cams

• Holley or Edelbrock carb/intake

• Headers and free-flow exhaust

• Performance ignition systems

• Turbo/supercharger kits

Common Issues (Original/Older Builds)on Chevrolet 350ci engine

• Flat cam lobes (especially with improper oil or break-in)

• Oil leaks (rear main seal, valve covers)

• Overheating (especially in older or poorly maintained engines)

• Timing chain wear

• Carburetor issues if not maintained

Crate Engine Options

GM Performance Parts and many third-party companies still offer Chevrolet 350ci engine with modern internals and EFI options. Common crate engine options:

• GM 350/290 HP

• Blueprint 350 Crate (375+ hp)

• ATK Performance 350

• Summit Racing budget builds

Prices generally range from $2,500–$6,000, depending on power level and components.

 Summary – Is the 350 a Good Engine?

Absolutely. The Chevrolet 350ci engine is a legendary engine for a reason:

• Simple, rugged, and incredibly versatile

• Ideal for classic cars, muscle cars, street rods, and off-road builds

• Whether you’re restoring a ’69 Chevelle or building a custom truck, the 350 is one of the best-supported engines in history

Would you like help selecting a specific crate version, building a budget for a 350 swap, or comparing it to modern LS engines?

Absolutely — let’s dig deeper into the Chevrolet 350 c.i. engine family, including tuning tips, LS comparisons, crate engine advice, and usage in swaps.

Chevrolet 350ci engine: Performance Building Tips

If you’re looking to build or tune a Chevrolet 350ci engine here are some common performance stages:

 Stage 1 – Budget Build (~250–300 hp)

• Stock block and heads

• Mild camshaft (e.g., Comp Cams XE262H)

• Dual-plane intake (e.g., Edelbrock Performer)

• 600–650 CFM carburetor

• Headers and 2.5“ exhaust

Goal: Reliable street engine, torque-rich, around 280–300 hp

 Stage 2 – Street/Strip (~350–400 hp) on Chevrolet 350ci engine

• Aluminum heads with 64cc chambers (AFR, Dart, or Edelbrock)

• High-lift cam (e.g., Comp Cams XE274H)

• 750 CFM carb or EFI system

• Flat-top pistons with forged rods

• HEI ignition with MSD box

Goal: High-revving and quick, enough power to make a mid-size muscle car or classic truck fly

 Stage 3 – Track or Boosted Build (400+ hp)

• Forged rotating assembly (crank, pistons, rods)

• High-flow aluminum heads (AFR 195cc+)

• Roller camshaft

• Supercharger (e.g., Weiand 177 Roots) or turbo

• Holley Sniper EFI or MSD Atomic EFI

Goal: Build for serious street/track use — reliable 450–600+ hp possible depending on boost/fuel setup.

Chevrolet 350ci engine vs LS Engines (Like 5.3L/6.0L)

Verdict:

• 350: Easier to work on, cheaper to rebuild, old-school muscle.

• LS: More efficient, more power per dollar with boost or EFI, better for modern swaps.

Crate Engine Recommendations (Based on Use Case)

Popular Swaps Using the 350

The Chevrolet 350ci engine has been swapped into just about everything, but it’s especially common in:

• Older GM cars/trucks (obviously)

• Jeep CJs and Wranglers

• Toyota pickups and Land Cruisers

• S10s and El Caminos

• Classic Mustangs and oddballs (with adapter kits)

• Street rods, rat rods, hot rods

• Boats and off-road buggies

Why? Because it’s simple, has nearly infinite aftermarket support, and doesn’t require modern sensors or electronics (unless you go EFI).

 Tips for Swapping a 350

• Transmission Matching: Pairs easily with TH350, TH400, 700R4, 4L60E (w/ controller)

• Engine Mounts: Kits available for nearly any chassis

• Cooling: Use a radiator for a V8 application (aluminum preferred)

• Fuel: If going EFI, you’ll need a high-pressure fuel pump and return line

• Wiring: Basic wiring harness is simple (HEI distributor only needs one wire to run)

 Final Thoughts

The Chevrolet 350ci engine remains a go-to engine for:

• Restorers who want old-school feel

• Hot-rodders looking for DIY fun

• Budget builders who want reliability without breaking the bank