What cars came with a 307 engine?
The 307 engine, a small-block V8, was a popular choice for many vehicles during the late 1960s and 1970s. Known for its reliability and versatility, this engine was used in a variety of cars, particularly those manufactured by General Motors (GM). In this article, we’ll explore the history of the 307 engine and highlight the cars that came equipped with it.
The History of the 307 Engine
The 307 engine was introduced by Chevrolet in 1968 as part of their small-block V8 family. It was designed to provide a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for a wide range of vehicles. With a displacement of 307 cubic inches (5.0 liters), this engine was essentially a hybrid of the 283 and 327 engines, combining the bore of the 283 with the stroke of the 327.
Although it wasn’t known for high performance, the 307 engine was appreciated for its durability and ease of maintenance, which made it a popular choice for everyday drivers.
Cars That Came with the 307 Engine
The 307 engine was used in a variety of GM vehicles across different brands. Below is a list of some of the most notable cars that featured this engine:
- Chevrolet Camaro: The 307 engine was available in the Camaro during the late 1960s and early 1970s, offering a reliable option for those who didn’t need the high performance of the larger V8s.
- Chevrolet Chevelle: This popular mid-size car also came with the 307 engine as an option, particularly in base and mid-level trims.
- Chevrolet Nova: The compact Nova featured the 307 engine in certain models, providing a balance of power and efficiency.
- Chevrolet Impala: As a full-size car, the Impala offered the 307 engine in its lineup, catering to drivers looking for a dependable V8.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass: The 307 engine was also used in some Oldsmobile models, including the Cutlass, during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Buick Skylark: Buick included the 307 engine in the Skylark, particularly in models aimed at budget-conscious buyers.
- Pontiac LeMans: The LeMans, another GM vehicle, featured the 307 engine in certain configurations.
Why the 307 Engine Was Popular
The 307 engine gained popularity for several reasons:
- Reliability: The engine was known for its durability and long lifespan, making it a dependable choice for daily drivers.
- Ease of Maintenance: As part of the small-block V8 family, the 307 was relatively easy to work on, with parts readily available.
- Versatility: The engine was used in a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to full-size sedans, showcasing its adaptability.
- Affordability: The 307 engine was often included in base or mid-level trims, making it an economical option for buyers.
Conclusion
The 307 engine played a significant role in the automotive landscape of the late 1960s and 1970s. While it may not have been the most powerful engine in GM’s lineup, its reliability and versatility made it a popular choice for a variety of vehicles. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or simply curious about automotive history, the 307 engine remains an interesting chapter in the story of American cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
How much HP does a 307 V8 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 cars had the 307 motor?
It was used in most Oldsmobile models, as well as those from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Pontiac. Every 307 used a four-barrel carburetor, which was a variant of the Rochester Quadrajet, usually the CCC (Computer Command Control) Quadrajet.
What year did Chevy use the 307 engine?
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).
What is the strongest Chevy engine?
View ZZ632/1000 Deluxe
All roads lead here — the largest, most powerful Chevrolet Big-Block ever.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1972 Chevelle 307 have?
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.
What car has a 307 engine?
Chevrolet's 307ci small block has long been viewed as a mild-mannered grocery getter. You've seen hundreds of thousands of them in Chevelles, Novas, Camaros, and untold other mainstream Chevys. We used to call them “Belly Button Motors” because everyone had one—right?
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.
What cars came with the 307 engine?
A little digging tells us that the 307 engines were popular throughout the whole GM family. All of the BOP and Chevy passenger cars received versions of the 307 for their mid- and fullsize cars from 1980 to 1990.
