Is a 1989 Chevy Silverado fuel injected?
Yes. Most 1989 Chevrolet Silverado pickups used electronic fuel injection (EFI), typically through a throttle-body injection (TBI) system on the 4.3L V6 and the 5.0L/5.7L V8 engines.
The 1989 Silverado era marked GM’s continued shift from traditional carburetors to electronic fuel delivery. While some late-80s trucks carried carburetors in very specific or unusual configurations, the common Silverado lineup from that model year predominantly relied on EFI. The engines commonly paired with this system include the 4.3L V6 and the small- and big-block V8s, all wired to a central control unit that manages fuel flow and ignition timing.
EFI in the 1989 Silverado: engines and technology
During the 1989 model year, the Silverado lineup typically used electronic throttle-body injection (TBI) rather than multi-point or direct port injection. This setup places two or more fuel injectors inside a single throttle body, delivering fuel directly into the intake path as air enters the engine. The key advantage was more precise fueling and easier cold starts compared with older carbureted systems.
Here are the common EFI options you would encounter on a 1989 Silverado:
- 4.3L V6 — throttle-body injection (TBI), with injectors mounted in the throttle body
- 5.0L V8 — throttle-body injection (TBI)
- 5.7L V8 — throttle-body injection (TBI)
In practice, these engines used EFI from the factory, and carbureted configurations were largely phased out for the Silverado lineup by this time. If you’re evaluating a 1989 model, expect to find EFI hardware rather than a carburetor under the hood, though always verify the actual configuration on a specific truck as there can be exceptions based on fleet, region, or prior modifications.
How to identify EFI on a 1989 Silverado
To confirm EFI, inspect the engine bay for a throttle body mounted on top of the intake manifold rather than a traditional carburetor. A large air intake tube will run to the throttle body, and you’ll see fuel lines feeding into the injector(s) inside the throttle body. You may also find an Electronic Control Module (ECM) or PCM with wiring harnesses connected to sensors like MAP or MAF/MAP-equivalent sensors, and an OBD-I diagnostic port under the dash or near the steering column.
Why this matters for buyers and restorers
Understanding that a 1989 Silverado is typically EFI helps in maintenance, fuel economy expectations, and troubleshooting. EFI systems require different diagnostic approaches than carbureted engines, and parts such as the throttle body, fuel injectors, injectors’ seals, fuel pump, and sensors are common points of failure. If you purchase a project truck, budgeting for fuel-system components and compatible EFI-era sensors is prudent.
Summary
In short, the 1989 Chevy Silverado generally came with electronic fuel injection, most often via throttle-body injection, across the main engine options like the 4.3L V6 and the 5.0L/5.7L V8. This shift from carburetors reflected GM’s broader move in the late 1980s toward EFI for improved performance, emissions, and drivability. When buying or restoring a 1989 Silverado, expect EFI hardware and plan for inspection of the throttle body, fuel delivery, and related sensors to ensure reliable operation.
Are Chevy Silverados direct injection?
The standard engine on the Chevrolet Silverado HD is a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine featuring direct injection and variable valve timing.
What was the worst year for Chevy Silverado?
The worst Chevy Silverado years are often cited as 2007-2011, 2014-2017, and 2019-2021 due to frequent problems like engine issues, oil consumption, transmission failures, and electrical and AC problems. The 2014 model year is especially notorious for a high volume of complaints and numerous recalls, while models from 2007-2011 had engine problems linked to the Active Fuel Management system, and 2019-2021 models experienced engine bearing and lifter issues.
2007-2011
- Engine Problems: Many engines with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system experienced high oil consumption and lifter failures.
- Recalls: This generation had several recalls, including issues with Takata airbags in some models.
2014-2017
- 2014: This year is frequently listed as one of the worst due to a high volume of complaints and 19 recalls.
- AC and Electrical Issues: The air conditioning system was a major problem, with many owners reporting failure.
- Transmission Problems: The new 8-speed transmission experienced issues like clunking and eventual failure in some instances.
- 2015: Experienced a high number of recalls and complaints related to the transmission.
- 2017: Had numerous transmission problems, including rough shifting and shuddering, leading to low reliability ratings.
2019-2021
- Engine Issues: These models are known for Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifter failures and engine bearing problems, which led to recalls.
You can watch this video to learn about the worst model years of Chevy Silverado: 57sGarage of TimeYouTube · Aug 11, 2025
What engine does a 1989 Chevy Silverado have?
5.7 LITER V8
5.7 LITER V8 W/EFI/350 CU. IN.
PDF
What year did Chevy start fuel injection?
1957
The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Super Sport that General Motors proudly paraded around the show circuit nearly 65 years ago was no ordinary Corvette. It was, in fact, a game changer—the first to feature high-performance Ramjet fuel injection.
