Chevy 350 Engine: Specs, Horsepower by Year, and 350 Crate Engines
The Chevy 350 is a 5.7-liter (350 cubic inch) small block V8 with a 4.000″ bore and 3.480″ stroke, introduced in 1967 and built in Gen I form into the early 2000s. It is the most widely used small block Chevy, found in Camaros, Corvettes, trucks, boats and countless hot rods, and it is still sold new as a crate engine. Factory ratings ranged from about 145 HP in the emissions era to 370 HP for the 1970 LT-1.
Chevy 350 specs
| Specification | Chevy 350 (Gen I small block) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 350 cubic inches (5.7L) |
| Bore x stroke | 4.000″ x 3.480″ |
| Bore spacing | 4.400″ |
| Layout | 90-degree V8, overhead valves, two valves per cylinder |
| Block | Cast iron, two-bolt or four-bolt main caps depending on version |
| Firing order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, distributor turning clockwise |
Wiring the distributor is covered step by step in our Chevy 350 firing order guide.
How much horsepower does a Chevy 350 have?
- Late 1960s and 1970: performance versions were rated up to 370 HP (gross) for the 1970 LT-1 in the Corvette and Camaro Z/28.
- 1970s and early 1980s: lower compression for emissions and the move from gross to net ratings brought typical figures down to roughly 145 to 200 HP.
- Later fuel-injected 350s: ratings climbed again with throttle-body and tuned-port injection, and with the Gen II LT1 of the 1990s.
- New crate engines: the 350 crate engines we list are rated from 330 HP to 405 HP.
Because the same displacement covered so many versions, the cylinder heads, camshaft, compression and induction decide the power far more than the 350 cubic inches.
Chevy 350 versions worth knowing
- Gen I 350 (1967 on): the classic carbureted small block, later with throttle-body injection in trucks.
- Vortec L31 (1996 to 2002 trucks): a late Gen I 350 with Vortec cylinder heads and a roller camshaft. GM Performance still sells a new Vortec 96-02 350 L31 crate engine with a 4-bolt main block, forged steel crankshaft and hydraulic roller camshaft.
- Gen II LT1 (1992 to 1997): a redesigned 5.7L small block with reverse-flow cooling. Many parts do not interchange with a Gen I 350.
- LS1 (from 1997): also sold as a 5.7L, but it is a Gen III LS engine of 346 cubic inches, not a 350. See GM LS engines explained.
350 vs 383 and 400
A 383 stroker uses a 350-size block with a longer 3.750″ stroke crankshaft, which adds displacement and torque without changing the outside dimensions. Chevy’s factory 400 small block used a larger 4.125″ bore; see our 400 small block Chevy guide. Both are covered in our 383 stroker engine guide and on the small block Chevy crate engine page. For how the 350 compares with a 454, see big block vs small block.
New Chevy 350 crate engines
| Engine | Version | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BluePrint SBC 350 (BP350CT) | Long block, aluminum heads | 341 HP, 371 lb-ft | $4,899.00 |
| BluePrint SBC 350 EFI (BP350CTF) | Base dressed with EFI | 341 HP, 371 lb-ft | $6,549.00 |
| BluePrint SBC 350 (BP3505CT) | Base engine | 390 HP | $5,049.00 |
| BluePrint SBC 350 EFI (BP3505CTF) | Base dressed with EFI | 390 HP | $6,749.00 |
| GM Performance SBC 350 (19433030) | Crate engine | 330 HP | $5,661.89 |
| GM Performance 350 HO (19433038) | Crate engine | 330 HP | $7,311.95 |
| GM Performance ZZ6 (19432104) | Base engine | 405 HP | $7,982.95 |
| GM Performance Vortec L31 350 (19432780) | Long block replacement | See product page | $5,448.99 |
BluePrint’s 341 HP and 390 HP 350s each come in several dressing levels, from long block to fully dressed carbureted and EFI engines, so check the part number. Prices change; check the product page for the current price. Every order ships for a flat $75 to any US state. Compare the levels in our long block vs short block guide and the price range in crate engine prices.
Before you buy a 350 crate engine
- Rear main seal: later blocks use a one-piece rear main seal, which needs the matching flexplate or flywheel and oil pan.
- Balance: check whether the engine is internally or externally balanced, so the balancer and flywheel match.
- Carburetor or EFI: EFI engines need a suitable fuel pump and lines. Our carburetor vs fuel injection guide compares the two.
- Accessories: long blocks need an intake, ignition, water pump and accessory drive; dressed engines include more of them.
Compare listed BluePrint engine packages
These listings have different included parts. Check each product description and confirm fitment before choosing a package.
- BluePrint BP3505CTFD: EFI drop-in engine.
- BluePrint BP3505CTFK: EFI engine with pulleys.
More reading: SBC vs LS engines.
Frequently asked questions
What are the specs of a Chevy 350?
350 cubic inches (5.7L) from a 4.000″ bore and 3.480″ stroke, 4.400″ bore spacing, overhead valves and a 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 firing order.
How much horsepower does a Chevy 350 have?
Factory ratings ranged from about 145 HP in the late 1970s to 370 HP (gross) for the 1970 LT-1. The new 350 crate engines we list are rated from 330 to 405 HP.
What is the bore and stroke of a 350?
4.000″ bore and 3.480″ stroke.
What years was the Chevy 350 made?
The 350 arrived in 1967 and was built in Gen I form into the early 2000s, the Vortec L31 truck engine running through 2002. GM Performance and BluePrint still build new 350s as crate engines.
Is the LS1 a 350?
No. The LS1 is a 5.7L Gen III LS engine of 346 cubic inches with a different block, heads and firing order.
What is the firing order of a Chevy 350?
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, with the distributor turning clockwise.
Is a 350 the same as a 5.7?
A 350 cubic inch engine is 5.7 liters, so a Chevy 5.7 usually means the 350 small block. GM also used the 5.7L name for other engines: the 1992 to 1997 LT1 is a Gen II 350 with reverse-flow cooling, and the LS1 and LS6 are 346 cubic inch Gen III LS engines. Check the engine code before you buy parts.
Related: Chevy 350 firing order, 383 stroker, big block vs small block, 454 big block, 350 crate engines, roller cam vs flat tappet, compression ratio, best crate engine, all guides.
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