Tech & Auto
The 6 Most Reliable Chevrolet Engines Of All Time
By RON KING
350 Small-Block V8
The Camero came equipped with the first Chevrolet 350 V8 small-block in 1967. Over the following years, Chevrolet would use the engine for many of its vehicles.
The SBC 350 used the same small-block design and four-inch cylinder bores as the previous 327-cubic-inch V8 but had a longer 3.48-inch crankshaft stroke.
LT1 5.7-L V8
Following the same basic design and dimensions as the previous generation SBC 350, the Gen II LT1 5.7-liter V8 also displaced 350 cubic inches.
The 5.7-liter LT1 featured a 10.4:1 compression ratio and was rated at 300 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. It powered various GM cars and trucks until 1997.
Vortec 5300
The 5.3-liter Vortec 5300 was part of its third-generation SBC in 1999 and continued its use through 2007, though variants are still in production today.
Its four variants are the LM7, LM4, L33, and L59. The Gen III Vortec 5300 uses a 3.78-inch cylinder bore and a 3.622-inch crankshaft stroke to achieve its 5.3-liter.
427 Cubic Inch LS7
Chevrolet developed the 427.6-cubic-inch LS7 based on its fourth-generation small block design to propel the Z06 Corvette from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
To achieve its 427.6 cubic inches, the LS7 uses a forged steel crankshaft with a 4.0-inch stroke to complement the 4.125-inch Siamese-bored cylinder configuration.
Mark IV 396
The 396 was the first iteration of the Mark IV design. It was used in the automaker's mid-size and sports cars, including Chevelles and Camaros.
The first 396 engines in the Corvette, dubbed L78 TurboJets, could propel the 1965 Stingray through the quarter mile in 14 seconds, crossing the finish at 104 mph.
Duramax 6.6-Liter
General Motors and Isuzu Motors developed the Duramax turbo-diesel. The engine has been used in Chevrolets since the 2001 Silverado lineup.
Many have turned to the Duramax 6.6-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine to maximize their pulling power current form. The current engine provides 910 lb-ft of torque and 445 horsepower.