What engine does a 1984 C10 have?
The 1984 Chevrolet C10 pickup offered several gasoline engine options, with a rare diesel possibility on some configurations. The most common choices were a 4.3-liter V6, a 5.0-liter V8, and a 5.7-liter V8, with a diesel option appearing in limited cases. The exact engine depends on the truck’s trim, region, and production date.
Engine options for the 1984 C10
Below are the typical engine options that appeared in the 1984 C10 lineup. This list reflects the common configurations owners and collectors encounter from that model year.
- 4.3-liter V6 (262 cu in) — a compact gasoline V6 that was commonly offered as a base engine on several C/K models and was usually carbureted in 1984.
- 5.0-liter V8 (305 cu in) — a small-block V8 that provided noticeably more torque than the V6 and was available on many trim levels.
- 5.7-liter V8 (350 cu in) — a larger small-block V8 option that delivered greater payload and performance for heavier-duty configurations.
- 6.2-liter diesel V8 (rare option) — GM’s diesel option appeared on some trucks, but it was not universal for the 1984 C10; verify with the VIN or block stamping to confirm.
In practice, the exact engine on a given 1984 C10 can be verified by checking the VIN engine code, the engine block stamping, or the build sheet, as options varied by market and trim.
How to identify the engine in your 1984 C10
To confirm which engine your C10 has, use these identification methods. They help whether you’re restoring a vehicle or evaluating a used truck.
VIN code
The VIN can indicate the engine family or code. In GM trucks from that era, the 8th character of the VIN is the primary engine code; consult a GM-era VIN decoding chart to map it to a specific engine.
Engine block stamping
Inspect the driver-side engine block pad for a stamped displacement or code. The stamping often identifies the engine family (V6 vs. V8) and can help distinguish between a 4.3L, 5.0L, or 5.7L configuration.
Label and sheet checks
Look at the glovebox build sheet, emission-control label, radiator shroud, and under-hood labeling. These sources sometimes list the engine type or displacement for that particular truck.
Visual cues
A 4.3L V6 will show six spark plug wires and a V6 layout, while V8 engines will show eight spark plug wires and the typical V8 arrangement. Diesel engines differ further with fuel-injection lines and heavier components, though appearances can vary by year and spec.
If you’re still unsure after these checks, consult a trusted mechanic or post clear photos and the VIN in a restoration or Chevrolet-truck forum; precise confirmation often requires cross-referencing multiple codes.
Summary
For the 1984 Chevrolet C10, the engine lineup typically included the 4.3-liter V6, the 5.0-liter V8, and the 5.7-liter V8, with a diesel option appearing in some cases. The exact engine in a given truck depends on the model, trim, and production date. Verifying via VIN decoding, block stamping, and build sheets will give you definitive confirmation.
Summary: The 1984 C10 offered multiple gasoline engines—from the fuel-efficient 4.3L V6 up to the more capable 5.7L V8—with a rare diesel option, making engine identification important for restoration and valuation.
