What engine does a 1987 Chevy truck have?
The 1987 Chevy truck lineup offered several engines rather than a single one. The most common choices were the 4.3L V6, the 5.0L V8, and the 5.7L V8, with a 6.2L diesel optional on some heavy‑duty models.
Chevrolet's 1987 C/K pickups spanned half-ton to heavy-duty configurations, and engine choice varied by model, trim, and market. This article outlines the main engines available that year and how to identify which was installed on a given truck.
Gasoline engine options
The primary gasoline engines across the 1987 C/K lineup were three V8s and one V6, offered in different trims and configurations.
- 4.3L V6 (approx. 262 cubic inches)
- 5.0L V8 (approx. 305 cubic inches)
- 5.7L V8 (approx. 350 cubic inches)
These gasoline engines powered most of the pickups, with choices affecting towing, payload, and performance. Transmission options varied by engine and model.
Diesel option for heavy-duty models
In addition to gasoline powertrains, several heavy-duty 1987 C/K trucks offered a 6.2L V8 diesel as an option, typically on 3/4-ton and 1-ton configurations.
- 6.2L V8 Diesel (optional on select heavy-duty configurations)
Diesel availability was limited to heavier-duty variants and not offered on most 1/2-ton pickups.
How to identify the engine in a specific truck
To determine the exact engine in a 1987 Chevy truck, you can:
- Check the VIN and RPO codes on the glove box or door sticker, which indicate the engine option.
- Inspect the engine block casting number and the displacement badge on the valve covers or intake manifold.
- Review the original window sticker or build sheet if available.
Knowing the model (half-ton vs. heavy-duty) and trim level will help narrow down the likely engine options.
Summary
For 1987 Chevy trucks, engine options included the 4.3L V6, 5.0L V8, 5.7L V8, with a 6.2L diesel optional on select heavy-duty models. The exact engine depends on the truck’s model, trim, and configuration, so verifying with official documentation or the engine code is the most reliable method.
