Was the Chevrolet 307 a good engine?
The Chevrolet 307 engine was a popular small-block V8 engine produced by General Motors from 1968 to 1981. While it was not the most powerful or advanced engine of its time, the 307 was generally considered a reliable and serviceable powerplant for a variety of Chevrolet vehicles.
Overview of the Chevrolet 307 Engine
The 307 cubic inch (5.0 liter) V8 engine was introduced by Chevrolet in 1968 as a replacement for the older 283 and 327 small-block engines. It was designed to provide a balance of power, fuel efficiency, and affordability for Chevrolet's mid-size and full-size car models. The 307 featured a cast-iron block and heads, hydraulic lifters, and a two-barrel carburetor.
Over its 13-year production run, the 307 engine was used in a variety of Chevrolet vehicles, including the Impala, Caprice, Bel Air, Biscayne, Malibu, and Nova. Power output ranged from 115 horsepower to 145 horsepower, depending on the specific model year and configuration.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the 307 Engine
The Chevrolet 307 engine had several key strengths that made it a popular choice for many drivers:
- Reliability and Durability: The 307's cast-iron construction and simple design made it a very reliable and durable engine, capable of logging high mileage with proper maintenance.
- Fuel Efficiency: Compared to larger V8 engines of the era, the 307 offered relatively good fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily driving.
- Affordability: As a mass-produced engine, the 307 was generally less expensive to purchase and maintain than higher-performance V8 options.
However, the 307 also had some weaknesses that limited its appeal to more performance-oriented drivers:
- Modest Power Output: With a maximum of 145 horsepower, the 307 was not the most powerful engine available, especially as larger and more powerful V8s became more common in the 1970s.li>
- Limited Tuning Potential: The 307's basic design and components made it less amenable to significant performance upgrades and modifications compared to other small-block Chevy engines.li>
Overall, the Chevrolet 307 engine was a solid, reliable, and affordable option for many drivers, but it was not the top choice for those seeking maximum power and performance.
What is the best small-block engine?
Here are the 10 best small-block engines of all time.
- 8 Ford 289 HiPo.
- 7 Ford Boss 351. Bring a Trailer.
- 6 Chevrolet RPO L97 327. Bring a Trailer.
- 5 AMC 390. Bring a Trailer.
- 4 Chrysler LA-340 Six-Pack. Mecum Auctions.
- 3 Pontiac 389 Tri-Power. Mecum Auctions.
- 2 Ford Boss 302. Bring a Trailer.
- 1 Chevrolet 350. Bring a Trailer.
What is Chevy's strongest engine?
Chevrolet's 10 Highest Horsepower Engines Ever Built, Ranked
- Chevrolet 454 Big Block V8 (450 hp)
- Chevrolet 6.2L LT1 V8 (460 hp)
- Chevrolet LS7 V8 (505 hp)
- Chevrolet ZL1 427 Cubic Inch V8 (550 hp)
- Chevrolet LS9 V8 (638 hp)
- Chevrolet Z06 LT6 V8 (670 hp)
- Chevrolet Performance ZZ632/1000 (1,004 hp)
What is the history of the Chevy 307 engine?
A 307 cu in (5.0 L) version was produced from 1968 through 1973. Engine bore and stroke was 3.875 in × 3.25 in (98.4 mm × 82.6 mm). All 307s had large 2.45-inch (62.2 mm) journals to accept the 327's crankshaft. Pistons used with the 307 share the same pin height as the 327 but retain the 283's bore size.
Is 307 Chevy a good engine?
The Chevy 307 can be a good motor for those looking for a reliable, easy-to-maintain engine for classic cars or daily drivers. However, if high performance is a priority, you might want to consider a more powerful option like the 350 or other small-block engines.
When did Chevy stop making the 307?
307. A 307 cu in (5.0 L) version was produced from 1968 through 1973. Engine bore and stroke was 3.875 in × 3.25 in (98.4 mm × 82.6 mm).
How much HP can I get out of a 307?
These are decent compression ratios and should help performance that will work with 91 octane pump gas. Combine these parts with a good 600 to 750 cfm Holley carburetor, an HEI distributor, and a set of long-tube headers and your 307 should make around 325 to 350 horsepower, perhaps even a bit more.
What Chevy engine lasts the longest?
The Chevrolet Gen III/IV Small Block is the engine that will help you get the most out of your vehicle. It's durable, not having to replace for nearly 300,000 miles. The engine utilizes contemporary engineering and metalworking to create a durable product. In their stock configuration, these engines can last very long.
How much horsepower does a 1972 Chevelle 307 have?
130
The 1972 Chevelle series became America's second-best-selling car. Base versions again included a four-model wagon series. Upscale versions were Malibus, including convertibles. More than 24,000 Malibu Sport Sedans were built, with a standard 307-cubic-inch V8 rated at 130 (net) horsepower.
How much horsepower does a 307 Chevy have?
When the time came and the throttle was finally hammered, the little engine that could, did! For our collaborative efforts-not to mention the efforts of the new parts-the 307 put out a very respectable 315hp at 5,200 rpm and 330 lb-ft torque at 3,800 rpm.
What is Chevy's most reliable engine?
The 5.3-liter L84 Ecotec3 V8 engine from full-size Chevrolet vehicles like the Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban is regarded as the most reliable engine from Chevrolet.
