How much does a Chevy 348 weigh?
The Chevy 348 engine, a classic powerhouse from Chevrolet's lineup in the late 1950s and early 1960s, is a popular topic among car enthusiasts and restorers. Known for its robust performance and unique design, the Chevy 348 is often sought after for vintage car restorations. One common question that arises is: how much does this iconic engine weigh? Let’s dive into the details.
The Weight of the Chevy 348 Engine
The Chevy 348 engine weighs approximately 620 pounds. This weight includes the engine block, heads, and other components in their standard configuration. The 348 was part of Chevrolet's "W-series" engines, which were known for their durability and relatively heavy cast-iron construction. This weight makes it comparable to other big-block engines of its era.
Why Does the Weight Matter?
Understanding the weight of an engine like the Chevy 348 is crucial for several reasons:
- Vehicle Balance: The engine's weight affects the overall balance and handling of the vehicle. A heavier engine can shift the car's center of gravity, impacting performance.
- Suspension Considerations: The suspension system must be capable of supporting the engine's weight without compromising ride quality or safety.
- Transportation and Installation: Knowing the weight helps when planning to transport or install the engine, as it requires appropriate equipment and support.
Key Features of the Chevy 348
Aside from its weight, the Chevy 348 is notable for several features that made it a standout engine in its time:
- Displacement: The 348 cubic-inch displacement was achieved through a 4.125-inch bore and a 3.25-inch stroke.
- Design: The "W-series" engines, including the 348, featured a unique combustion chamber design integrated into the cylinder head and piston.
- Applications: The 348 was used in a variety of Chevrolet vehicles, including full-size cars and light-duty trucks, making it versatile and widely recognized.
Conclusion
The Chevy 348 engine, weighing in at around 620 pounds, remains a beloved piece of automotive history. Its weight and design reflect the engineering priorities of its time, emphasizing durability and performance. Whether you're restoring a classic Chevy or simply exploring automotive history, the 348 is a fascinating engine to study and appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 454 big block Chevy weigh?
A 454 weighs about 675#,, and a 350 weighs about 550#, so if you decide to switch to the big block, make sure you beef up the suspension. Otherwise, it is like having a fat guy riding on the hood of your car.
How much does a 348 engine weigh?
In all, a 283 engine weighed in at about 500 pounds while the 348 was 625. Much of the 348s extra weight was in the block design - put there specifically for strength. The rest were in the heavy-duty heads. Two new 348 engines were initially offered.
Was the 348 a good engine?
Actually, the 348 was an extremely good engine in terms of reliability. The high performance W engines had an oiling problem when they started cranking out alot of horsepower and turning some R's. A 348 had tremendous torque and they never had to be rebuilt. It evolved into the big block chevy of today.
Can you make a 348 into a 409?
History shows us that Chevy stroked its own engine when they turned the 348s into 409s. The 348 came with a standard bore of 4.125˝ and stroke of 3.25˝. Its big brother, the 409, came with the stock bore size of 4.3125˝ and stroke of 3.50˝.
How much horsepower does a 348 engine have?
It had a bore of 4.125 inches and a stroke of 3.25 inches and was offered in an assortment of horsepower ratings. The base engine was dubbed the Turbo-Thrust and was rated at 250 hp. The optional Super Turbo-Thrust with three two-barrel carburetors was rated at 280 hp.
What is the best truck engine ever made?
12 Best Pickup Engines of All Time
- 1965-1996 Ford 300 I-6.
- 1972-1978 Dodge 440 V-8.
- 1991-1994 Chevrolet 454 Big Block.
- 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 8.0L Magnum V-10.
- 2011-2015 Ford 6.7L Power Stroke V-8.
- 1964-1987 Dodge 225 Slant Six.
- 1985-1995 Toyota 22RE.
- 1999-2003 Ford 5.4L Supercharged V-8.
Is the Chevy 348 considered a big-block?
The big-block, which debuted in 1958 at 348 cu in (5.7 L), was built in standard displacements up to 496 cu in (8.1 L), with aftermarket crate engines sold by Chevrolet exceeding 500 cu in (8.2 L).
What is the strongest Chevy block?
View ZZ632/1000 Deluxe. All roads lead here — the largest, most powerful Chevrolet Big-Block ever.
What is the difference between a 348 and 409?
One half of the move from 348 to 409 was an increase of . 1875 inches in the cylinder bore. A stock 348 has a bore of 4.125 inches and a 409 has the bigger bore of 4.3125 inches. The other half was the stroke change from 348s to 409s that went from 3.25 to 3.50 inches for a net gain of a quarter inch.
How much does a Chevy 348 engine weigh?
In all, a 283 engine weighed in at about 500 pounds while the 348 was 625. Much of the 348s extra weight was in the block design - put there specifically for strength.
