13 Cars Powered by Chevy’s Iconic Small Block V8

The Chevrolet small-block V8 engine is an icon of American automotive engineering that revolutionized the industry upon its debut in 1955.

Designed by Ed Cole’s team at Chevrolet, this compact and powerful engine quickly became the heart of performance vehicles across General Motors’ lineup.¹

Here are 13 of the best vehicles to ever house Chevy’s legendary engine.

1. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS

The 1967 Camaro SS was Chevy’s answer to the Ford Mustang, and it came out swinging. Equipped with a 350 cubic inch small-block V8, this pony car quickly became a legend in its own right.

Its muscular styling and potent performance cemented its place in automotive history.

Best features:

• 295 horsepower from the 350 cu in V8
• Optional RS package with hidden headlights
• Iconic styling that defined a generation of muscle cars
• Available with a 4-speed manual transmission

2. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray

The second-generation Corvette, known as the Sting Ray, was a game-changer. Its sleek design and powerful small-block V8 options made it a true American sports car.

The split-window coupe version has become one of the most sought-after classic cars.

Best features:

• Available 327 cu in (5.4L) small-block V8
• Innovative independent rear suspension
• Iconic split-window design (1963 only)
• Optional fuel injection for increased performance

3. 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS

The Nova SS might have been compact, but it packed a serious punch. With a 350 cu in small-block V8 under the hood, this unassuming muscle car could surprise many larger competitors.

Its lightweight body and potent engine made for an exhilarating driving experience.

Best features:

• 350 cu in (5.7L) small-block V8 engine
• Lightweight body for improved power-to-weight ratio
• Understated styling that flew under the radar
• Available with a 4-speed manual transmission

4. 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS

Part car, part truck, all muscle – the El Camino SS was a unique offering in the performance world. Equipped with the same powerful small-block V8 engines as its Chevelle cousin, this utility coupe could haul more than just cargo.

Best features:

• Available 350 cu in (5.7L) small-block V8
• Unique car-truck styling
• Functional bed for practicality
• SS-specific styling cues and badging

5. 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

The Monte Carlo SS combined luxury with muscle car performance. This personal luxury coupe packed a small-block V8 punch, offering a more refined driving experience without sacrificing power.

It was the gentleman’s muscle car.

Best features:

• 350 cu in (5.7L) small-block V8 engine
• Luxurious interior appointments
• Smooth-riding suspension
• Elegant styling with subtle performance cues

6. 1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro

The COPO (Central Office Production Order) Camaro was a backdoor way for dealers to order high-performance Camaros with engines not officially offered. Some versions came equipped with the potent 427 cu in small-block V8, making them some of the most powerful muscle cars of their era.

Best features:

• 427 cu in (7.0L) small-block V8 in some versions
• Sleeper appearance with minimal badging
• Intended for drag racing use
• Extremely rare and highly collectible

7. 1970 Chevrolet Corvette LT-1

The LT-1 Corvette introduced a high-performance small-block V8 that could compete with many big-block engines. Its 350 cu in engine was a marvel of engineering, offering impressive power in a lighter package than its big-block siblings.

Best features:

• 350 cu in (5.7L) LT-1 small-block V8
• 370 horsepower and high-revving nature
• Solid lifter camshaft for improved performance
• Available in both coupe and convertible body styles

8. 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The 1970 Camaro Z28 represented the pinnacle of second-generation Camaro performance. Its high-revving 350 cu in small-block V8 was perfectly suited for road racing, making the Z28 a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciated handling as much as straight-line speed.

Best features:

• 350 cu in (5.7L) LT-1 small-block V8
• 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque
• F41 sport suspension for improved handling
• Distinctive Z28 styling with bold stripes

9. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

The 1957 Chevy Bel Air is an icon of 1950s Americana. It was one of the first vehicles to showcase the potential of the new small-block V8, offering a 283 cu in version that could produce up to 283 horsepower with fuel injection – achieving the magical one horsepower per cubic inch.

Best features:

• 283 cu in (4.6L) small-block V8
• Optional fuel injection system
• Iconic ’50s styling with distinctive tailfins
• Available with the innovative Turboglide transmission

10. 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS

The 1962 Impala SS marked the beginning of Chevy’s performance-oriented Super Sport line. It could be equipped with a 327 cu in small-block V8, offering a potent combination of full-size comfort and muscle car performance.

Best features:

• 327 cu in (5.4L) small-block V8 option
• Distinctive SS trim and badging
• Full-size comfort with performance capabilities
• Available with a 4-speed manual transmission

11. 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS

The 1965 Chevelle Malibu SS offered a perfect blend of midsize practicality and muscle car performance. Its optional 327 cu in small-block V8 provided plenty of power, making it a formidable contender in the burgeoning muscle car market.

Best features:

• 327 cu in (5.4L) small-block V8 option
• Sleek, muscular styling
• SS-specific interior upgrades
• Available with a 4-speed manual transmission

12. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88

While the L88 is often associated with the big-block 427, it’s worth noting that the L88 was technically based on the small-block architecture. This rare and powerful engine turned the Corvette into a barely street-legal race car.

Best features:

• 427 cu in (7.0L) L88 engine based on small-block architecture
• Conservatively rated at 430 horsepower
• Heavy-duty suspension and brake upgrades
• Intended primarily for racing use

13. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The C6 Corvette ZR1 showcased the ultimate potential of the small-block V8 design. Its supercharged LS9 engine produced unprecedented power for a production Corvette, cementing its status as a world-class supercar.

Best features:

• Supercharged 6.2L (376 cu in) LS9 small-block V8
• 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque
• Carbon-fiber body panels for weight reduction
• Advanced magnetic ride control suspension

Chevrolet’s small-block V8 has powered some of the most legendary vehicles in automotive history. This versatile engine has evolved over the decades, consistently delivering impressive performance across a wide range of applications.

The small-block V8 has proven its worth time and time again.

Source:

1. Motor Trend