What engine does a 1968 C20 have?
There isn’t a single engine that all 1968 Chevy C20 pickups used—the C20 offered multiple powertrains. In most configurations, you’d find the inline-six 250 cu in, or one of several V8 options (327, 350, or a 396 big-block) depending on the model and installed options.
Chevrolet’s 1968 C20 was part of the C/K family of pickups, a 3/4-ton model that could be equipped with a range of engines. The choice depended on the truck’s trim level, cab/bed configuration, and production date. Below are the engines most commonly found in that year’s C20s, though availability varied by individual truck.
Common engine options
Before listing the engines, note that availability varied by configuration and production date; not every C20 came with every option.
- 250 cubic-inch inline-six (4.1 L) — a durable, straightforward base engine used in many 1968 C20s
- 327 cubic-inch small-block V8 (5.4 L) — a popular V8 option offering more power
- 350 cubic-inch small-block V8 (5.7 L) — another common V8 upgrade with respectable output
- 396 cubic-inch big-block V8 (6.5 L) — available on certain 3/4-ton configurations for higher performance
Engine choice depended on the production date and the specific trim; to determine the exact engine in a given 1968 C20, check the build sheet or decode the VIN/RPO codes on the truck.
How to verify the engine in a 1968 C20
To confirm which engine your specific truck has, look for the engine stamping on the block, consult the glovebox or SPID/build sheet for RPO codes, and use the VIN to cross-reference the original equipment list. A qualified vintage Chevrolet mechanic or a trusted online decoder can help align codes with the factory-installed engine.
Why this matters for collectors and restorers
Matching numbers—ensuring the identified engine matches the VIN and RPO specifications—can affect value and authenticity. When restoring or valuing a 1968 C20, precise engine identification helps maintain historical accuracy and market desirability.
Summary
A 1968 C20 didn’t have a single engine; it offered several powertrain options. The most common configurations were the 250 cu in inline-six, and V8 options including the 327, 350, and a 396 big-block for heavier-duty builds. Verifying the exact engine requires checking build sheets, RPO codes, and the VIN to ensure an accurate restoration or valuation.
What engine came in a 1968 Chevy truck?
For 1968, Chevrolet enlarged the 283 V8 to 307 cubic inches. A 396 cubic-inch V8 became an option (the first time a large-block V8 was offered in a light-duty GM truck).
What engine came in the 1969 C20?
The 1969 Chevy C20 is a classic pickup truck that captures the essence of the American automotive industry during the late 1960s. This particular model is equipped with a powerful 350 cubic inch V8 engine, offering a blend of performance and reliability that made it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts of its time.
How much is a 1968 C20 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $19,558 for a 1968 Chevrolet C20 (Truck) 3/4 Ton in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1968 Chevrolet C20 (Truck) 3/4 Ton at auction over the last three years was $220,000.
What year is the best Chevy 327 engine?
The best Chevy 327 engine is often considered to be the 1965-1968 L79 due to its excellent balance of high performance and streetability, though the 1964-1965 L76 and L84 are also highly regarded for their peak power output. The L79 is known for being a powerful yet driveable engine, while the L76 and L84 were the most powerful small blocks Chevrolet ever produced in their time, featuring solid lifter cams for higher RPMs.
This video explains the history and performance of the Chevy 327 L-79 engine: 58sEngine LegendsYouTube · Jun 2, 2025
Performance-focused: 1964-1965 L76 and L84
- L76: A high-compression 365-horsepower engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
- L84: The top-tier version with mechanical fuel injection, rated at 375 horsepower.
- Key features: These engines used the high-revving "30-30" solid lifter cam, making them the fastest factory 327s ever made, though they were more difficult to live with on a daily basis compared to the L79.
- Availability: The L84 was discontinued after 1965, and both were primarily available in Corvettes.
High-performance all-rounder: 1965-1968 L79
- Power output: Available in 350 horsepower and 325 horsepower versions, both with an 11:1 compression ratio.
- Key features: It was the first high-performance engine to use a hydraulic camshaft, making it powerful enough to surprise many big-block engines while still being manageable for everyday driving.
- Availability: The L79 was a popular option in a wide range of vehicles, including the Corvette, Chevelle, El Camino, and Chevy II.
This video provides an overview of the Chevrolet 327 engine: 59sEngine LegendsYouTube · Jun 5, 2025
