We Ranked the Best Chevy V8 Engines Ever 

What's your top 5 Chevy engine list? Let's hear it below.

the 5.3 the most infamous motor chevy has produced for being swapped into everything and boosted to the moon should of had a spot on here just for its popularity.

Chevy 350 is the best engine of all time good power reliable you could rebuild it overnight and very inexpensive to work on great sound there’s just nothing that compares to it

I actually prefer the high torque at low RPM of a push-rod engine over the high revving OHC engines.

I have alot of different old school small blocks, most of them modified over 500hp but my favorite is still my L79 327 small block 350hp version in my 66 Nova. Awesome little engine

The throttle body 5.7 was the most reliable gas engine ever built and developed for a vehicle.

In 1995 the LS1 engine was tested by GM for reliability and durability in a 1994 Buick Roadmaster in Michigan driven back and forth to work everyday 60 miles round trip 5 days a week for 9 months by a GM engineer to test it in the cold winter through summer before it made it into production looking for potential problems

For me, it's the LS. While the Coyote can make nutso power and torque, it's still a small inch, high strung screamer that is overly complex, large for its weight, and refuses to make power and torque down low after a hop up. The LS is solid, reliable, can make nutso power too. But it's arcaic and crude. Can also be heavy for it's small physical size, eat lifters..... eh, it's a point of preference.

The smallest smallblock V8 wasn't the the 265, but the 262.

The new ones are nice, but i really don't care for the way they look. I guess i'd have to say, my Favorite is the old school 400 small block.

The LS7 was a great design, but LS7 and super reliable don't go together as they seem to like dropping valves most of the time and GM won't warranty it. I agree the LS and later LT engines are amazing designs and it's cool to see GM going out with a bang before we're forced to go EV. My favorite was the 327 L79 for small block and the L88 427 for the big block. Good video though, carry on....

Kudo's pal. This is a heap of information at a speedway pace. I'm impressed. You talk very fast, which I appreciate. Just when you think that you know it all, some young fellow shows his stuff. I just subscribed. I was kind of hoping you would mention my first Chevy V-8, a '60 Impala with a 348 with a cam. It was faster than a stock 289 Mustang. It went through transmissions and rear ends, every month it seems like. I remember swapping pilot shafts at 2AM, learning how to apply needle bearings to the whatever you call the part of the transmission that you swap the pilot shaft onto. This was 1968, so I tend to blend nomenclature. Anyway, I thoroughly appreciated your effort here. I'm looking forward to more.

I got an 02 express 1500 with the 5.7l. I was looking in the service book and it looks like it was available with a 454. I'm still dumbfounded! I just can't imagine that much power!

So I currently own an 06 Cadillac Escalade with the 6.0L LS, I also used to own a 2015 mustang GT with the 5.0L coyote. As far as which is better it simply depends on what your trying to use them for. The coyote is a high reving dual over head cam motor with not much low end torque but makes high horse power numbers. The LS is an over head valve motor built specifically for drag racing so it has really good torque and horsepower numbers. Very rarely have I ever seen an LS dish out way more torque then horsepower as they tend to stay pretty close together for the LS platform which actually makes the motor the best when it comes to 1/4 and even 1/2 mile runs at your local drag strip, I mean there was a reason people LS swapped their fox bodies for so long and still do today. Light body with a motor that puts out easy cheap and reliable horsepower and torque build specifically for drag racing. But that age old saying of “wanna make a ford faster… LS swap it” in my opinion has just been taken out of the equation, because the 5.0L coyote has proven to be one of the most powerful platforms to date on the streets today. Their top end is practically unbeatable, stock for stock and even mod for mod the coyote out runs the LS platform all day long. But even still I wouldn’t put one over the other, both platforms have proven themselves as reliable power houses so it really just comes down to which is cheaper to build which would be the LS. The stage two texas speed cam upgrade for my 6.0L LS in my Escalade all together cost me no more then $1,100 with I’d say a good 12 to 13% increase in power pushing my 6.0L from a factory 365hp to about 470hp. My coyote on the other hand would of been well over 3 to 4K dollars by the end of the upgrade and unless I went super aggressive with the cams it really wouldn’t of shown as much of an increase in power with maybe about a 8-9% increase. That being said my coyote came factory with 430hp so by the end of the upgrade the car would of been upwards of about 500hp. 🤷‍♂️ My 2015 mustang GT with all its upgrades was dishing out around 460 to the crank with simple modifications like E-85 conversion, JLT intake, and obviously an E-85 tune. Now comparing my Escalade to my mustang is pretty unfair because of the sheer weight of my Escalade so racing them would of been an overly pointless exercise, but I will say that because of the torque and all wheel drive of my Escalade which at this point is pushing 500hp with the upgraded heads definitely would of at least 60ft my mustang from a dig race where it was, on top of the fact my mustang was a 6 speed manual so it was much harder to launch. Being an owner of both I’d have to say neither is better then the other, but if your trying to build either of them, build them to their strengths. Build the coyote for roll racing, it’s the best form of racing for the coyote platform in the form of drag racing because it is a top end motor. Build the LS for strictly dig racing as it’s the best option because of their close torque and horsepower numbers which makes this more one of the best for dig racing. 🤷‍♂️

Please do a review of the Oldsmobile Aurora Indianapolis engine. This engine was the most winning engine at the 500 for several years. And very underrated in the Aurora car. A lot of engineering went into this engine. It should not be lost to history.

Ford Coyote Engine! I have a F 150 that has over 370 k and still goes to work every single day.

I absolutely love the LT6. GM basically abandoned their entire history (and decades of experience, R&D, and tooling) to create what’s basically the polar opposite of their already excellent V8. They tried with the Northstar, did a great job with the early LT5 (although a complete sales failure) but the LT6 is just insanity from a corporate giant like GM. Revs to the moon, FOUR cams, bespoke materials, state-of-the-art engine management, fairly minor displacement (among GM V8s, at least) and a freaking warranty. The OHV design they’ve been using for the better part of a century is a truly excellent engine, but I think this N/A monster might just be GM’s Magnum Opus for performance engines before the big push to smaller, turbocharged performance and HEV/EV drivetrains. Will it be anywhere near as reliable as your average gen 1/2 small block, big block or LS/LT? Not a chance. But that’s not the point. This is GM’s high-water mark before the EV craze murders our ICE performance cars for good.

I work for gm and took the class on the LT6 I can’t wait to work on one

Vortec engines did not start from LS’s. They started the gen before with 350’s still. They were different than the TBI engines and controlled differently.

Love the Big Blocks!!!

For anyone interested, the chaparral cars and a few zl1 engines are on display in the petroleum muesem in midland tx. There are several cars on display and they still seem to be completely intact. Very cool display for anyone wondering where they went. My little boy loves to go sit in the display replica next to the real ones.

Really enjoyed this episode!!! 👍 Please 🙏 keep up the great work!!! ✌️😎

the TBI system was the best system Instill habe 2 of does in a 91 and a 94 dump truck both over 200k miles and almost no problema at all both original engines.. the Vortec injectors go out. and the Ls is sensitive to stuck lifters Oil pump and the pcv passeges get clogged its all in the valve covers then creats crank case pressure and make tje rear main leake. 350 with TBI 88 to 94 was amazing.

You young guys can keep the LS. I'll take the Gen 1 SBC and the Mk IV Big Block.

I don’t know how you had all that information in your head but it was very interesting I have a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with the L8T it’s a horse a little thirsty but it can pull thanks for sharing I enjoy listening to it

You're the best content creator I have seen so far . Knowledgeable, great background graphics, organized, clear speaking ,good editing, and no umms ,ers ,circle backs ,etc. I like you so much that I subscribed.

No complaints about the 41 year old 305 in my C10 truck. All original as is the 3 speed transmission. Quite remarkable to me for a vehicle that sits outside in all weather yards from saltwater.

What about 348-409-427 W motor ? My favorite V-8 Chevy is the 1961 Corvette 315 hp 283 cu in Fuel Injected ! But I like them all !

I would like to know more about the 1970 LS7 454 rated at 522HP!! Why chevy made it, & why it wasn't installed in the chevelle or corvette as planned. Great videos, keep up the good work.

My father had a few cars & trucks with V-8s.A 56 car with a 265, a 64 Pontiac with a 283 and a couple of pickups with 350s. Also him & I had the 350 Olds diesel, which is not worth talking about. I think the winner was the 283 , with the 350 a close second

350 TBI. Not crazy power but super reliable and simple

Good video I have the LT1 2015 Vette 54000 miles and it's a runner

Another reason for the higher HP ratings in the older cars was because they used to measure/state gross HP numbers (essentially an engine with no accessories under perfect conditions), they changed to net HP in the 70’s.

The 6.2 liter V-8 ecotec engine employing 420HP and 460LBFT of torque is my favorite

The coyote is better technically speaking. More efficient, good technology. But the LS will always go down as the best swap engine. They are plentiful, make great power, and are crazy reliable. I’ve always said that GM V8s can run like shit longer than most other engines.

But can you tell me what would the correct ignition timing be on a 55 Bel Air Chevrolet with the 327 cubic inch engine and a 4 barrel carburetor?

Well done brother. But I'm biased as I like all your videos.

Brilliant work

18:10 me being the jdm guy thought the same words you said 😂 and if u rlly want to see our 2.0L do that the K20a2 accepts the challenge lol

I prefer the Ford Coyote to the Chevy LS... but I'm not much of a wrench guy. I've just owned more Fords than Chevys and I love new Fords. I prefer the Ford 3.5 TT to the Ford Coyote though. The EcoBoost that's in the Ford GT makes 700 ponies in an engine that weighs 450 pounds. I think that's pretty awesome. And unlike the Hellcat motor, it can idle without starving itself of oil.

LS over the coyote hands down, more reliable, better aftermarket support, easier to work on and mod, not to mention far and away more affordable to source

Gen V LT1 is my favorite, because I have one lol, then gen 4 LS7, gen 3 LS6, DZ302 and L89 big block

What about the W Block 348/409 .An engine worthy of a song from the Beach Boys is surely worth a casual mention

I was going to tease you because it is Chevy Caprice not Chevy Capri but it is a very well put together video you did there

The totally overlooked and bastard child of the Chevy small block world is the Gen II LT-1, produced from 1991-1997. Not bad for the time and the Caprice/Impala SS cars were the hot thing on the road.

Informative and educational, with the exception of the sooking bout being our done by milk and juice.

The C4 ZR1 LT5 engine has aluminum cylinder liners?

Hey can you give us some insight on the Cummins n14 order its problems order its advantages

SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGES IS WHAT MAKES THE DEFENSE.

I used to like hot rods, now I like practicality and think hot rods r a waste of money. With age comes wisdom.

Very informative

L98 TPI. Thats my favorite. 👍

You missed the most important part the 15 deg heads. On the ls vs 23 on the SBC p

The best is the 302 SB. 4" bore 3" stroke. Buddy had one in 68 Z28. He shifted at 7000 all day. And the best sound stock exhaust. Good Old Days.🤠

The ls6 name was reused because at the time muscle cars from the 60’s and 70’s saw their values peak at absurd levels ($2 million for a Hemi Cuda at one point). Boomers with lots of disposable income wanted to by the cars they had in high school or just when they were young, and Chevy decided to capitalize (those just entering the work force or those in college weren’t buying corvettes) by using the recognizable monicker ls6 for those they knew had the cash. Thankfully the engine lived up to its predecessor I have an 02 Z06 and it is by far the best performance buy on earth right now

I know iy is not the main take from the video but you said the starter in the valley of the block is not something seen in the modern age. I think BMW and or AUDI have engines that are reversed so to speak with the exhaust coming out the top of the engine. These engines have the starter in the valley now instaed of the traditional placement due to space constraints. Hope this is helpful

Dam it's crazy to see from were Gm started to were it's at today 😯😯😯

i’d be cool to swap a LT6 into a fox body or something similar

Love the coyote engine

LS wins on size, cost, packaging and simplicity over the Coyote.....hands down! And I'm a MOPAR guy.

The Ford Coyote engine is better in the sense that you can make more HP per liter than the LS and it responds much better to boost because it Revs higher in a shorter amount of time. That said I like the LS in the sense that it's a smaller profile and it only needs one cam vs 4 cams in the Coyote. Both engines are fabulous and most diehard lovers of either brand will tell you this. GO USA!!

Ever heard of the lady that blew up a BUNCH of the 4 cam vettes? Every time she started one and drove it off the line she'd mash the gas pedal while starting them and send them immediately to redline! Can't make this stuff up

Also don't forget the chevy 409 as well.

Kinda surprised that the 8.1 wasnt on the list, has ls cathedral intake ports and the sheer amount of tq from the get go.

The Chevy 307 CID Oil Drinker and Cam Eater!

Most people think the hp ratings were low, that’s not true, they just quoted the hp at an rpm less than the one where max hp occurred.

The typical driver, on their daily commutes, might spend the vast majority of their time in the lower RPM ranges. This is the one of the few areas where OHV might be advantageous. And OHV engines probably have a lower center of gravity.

small engines with big turbos will make great HP with big fuel usage - same all over performance means more fuel ! we just need a better fuel - i am sure there must be some organic juice we could squeeze into the petrol engines = i mean just put a match to orange skin and squeeze it = great fire ! = i have a subaru = oh cams hemi combustion boxer design and forced induction ! great.

Anyone thinks an dohc hemi V8 with an real hemisphere combustion chamber would out preform the coyote and the LT6 😳

Everything old school is better than now! Because it was a hundred percent American made not the new engines today!

there has already been a couple of competitions between the two motors, LS came out on top every time.

Slight correction, the lt6 is the most powerful N/A production engine. There is the ZZ632 that came out around the same time as the C8 (unsure of exact time/date)

Still a big block every day

Efficiency, Power, Reliability = *GenV LT1* (WITHOUT AFM/Displacement on demand).

Starter in the valve body is very common Toyota Northstar

Chevy 572 big block should have been mentioned. Maybe in the future?

GM made lotus redesign the LT1 because it didn’t have the same bore spacing as the standard small block…. 🙄 killing the power output

327 most reliable

Sorry to say, but you forgot several small blocks. A few where iconic, like the 327. And the 400 donated it's forged steel crank to many 383 builds using nothing but GM parts. Let's not forget there were two different 350s as well/ Both two and four bolt mains. I still don't think one was much better than the other, but some engine builders looked for the four bolt.

The LS, any of them The Gen 2 small block ( 92-96 ) LT1/LT4 The L88 big block ( mad underrated ) The LS7 454 The 327/365 hp small block

Is anybody know if you could get a 302 Z28 crate motor?

LS for sure. There is a reason everyone is using them in everything

That lt5 with the right tuner could really do some damage

Small block 350 and big block 454 are king in terms of power and longevity

LS imo because you can spank just about anything on the road for one hell of a price making tons of power with a single cam engine keeping it simple

In my opinion the 5.7L Vortec engine that came in the 96-98 1/2 ton and '96-2002 3/4 and 1 ton Chevy trucks and vans were the best old style small block Chevy motor ever. Roller cam, low friction metric piston rings and higher port intake runner cylinder heads with 64 cc heart shaped combustion chambers. With the addition of a performance cam (under .500" of lift), aftermarket adjustable timing set, screw in rocker studs, a bit of port work to the intake and exhaust runners and of course ditching the factory fuel injection for a performance carbureted set up, these motors can be turned into screamers on the street and stay on a small budget. There's piles of these engines in junkyards for cheap. Add a 383 stroker kit and good luck keeping the rubber from melting off of your tires! Always make sure to check factory exhaust seats for cracks tho

THE CHEVY SMALL BLOCK V8 IS THE BEST OF ALL V8S!!!! THE LS AND LT ALSO.

Simply LS engines are wonderful

GM LS all the way!

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE AN LT6 Z28 CAMARO !!!! THEY NEED TO MASS PRODUCE THESE ENGINES PLEASE GM !!!!! ALSO WOULD LOVE TO SEE A CROSSPLANE CRANK LT6 FOR THE CAMARO Z28 VERSION AND HELL THROW IT INTO ANYTHING ELSE, WE WILL TAKE IT !!

chevy sells a 632 crate engine ,and GM built a 638 CI engine for truck use in the 60-70

I think you should've chosen from all of GM's V8 engines. The 4.2L Blackwing is a brilliant engine and it's a massive shame it's only in the CT6.

1955-2003 chevy sbc production according to gm 95 million And I honestly thought v8 engines were something from a bygone era that weren't made anymore until my buddy Ray got his first car an 89 camaro rs rag top with a 305. I vant explain it but after my first ride I was like a hot rod crackhead and haven't looked back for over 20 years

Please rank ford v8’s

not really a fan of the new LT engines with the known oil problems but i do like the LS series, big blocks and small blocks especially 8.1L Vortec and cheap they are and how much power you can through at them.

LS period!

What about the small block 400

It you want to just slap a blower or turbo kit on your car coyote is the way to go. If you want to build a motor to be fast LS/LT is the way to go whether you go NA boost or nitrous. Personally I like the LS more and I hate how the coyote sound.

Coyote > Ls

They made a whole lot more to break too! And it did too! It broke a lot too.