What engine is in a 1970 C10?
There isn’t a single engine for every 1970 C10 pickup: Chevrolet offered several options, including a 250 cubic-inch inline-six and multiple small-block V8s (notably 307, 327, and 350), with bigger-block choices available on certain heavy‑duty configurations.
In more detail, the 1970 C10 lineup spanned a range of powerplants to suit different buyers’ needs—from economical six-cylinders to performance-oriented V8s. Availability depended on the cab/bed configuration, trim level, and regional market. The exact engine installed on a given truck could vary by build date and option package, so identifying the precise displacement and carburetion requires checking the VIN, build sheet, or engine block markings.
Engine options for the 1970 C10
Below is a representative overview of engines that could power a 1970 C10, noting typical configurations and what buyers often selected.
- 250 cubic inch inline-six (4.1 L) — the standard six-cylinder option on many base C10 models, valued for reliability and straightforward maintenance.
- 307 cubic inch V8 (4.9 L) — a popular mid-range V8 that offered more torque than the six without stepping up to a larger displacement.
- 327 cubic inch V8 (5.4 L) — a common small-block V8 with higher-revving performance suitable for highway driving.
- 350 cubic inch V8 (5.7 L) — the most widely installed small-block option, balancing power and durability for everyday use.
- 400 cubic inch small-block V8 (6.6 L) — a larger small-block that appeared in some trucks for higher torque and heavier-use applications.
- 396 cubic inch big-block V8 (6.5 L) — a big-block option found on certain heavy-duty configurations or by special order; not standard on all C10s.
Note: Big-block options like the 396 were not universal on every 1970 C10 and were more commonly associated with heavier-duty C20/C30 variants or specific order packages. Engine availability could vary by market, dealer, and production date.
How to identify the engine in your specific truck
To know exactly which engine your 1970 C10 has, consult the VIN/build sheet, data plate, or engine block stamping. Common identifiers include the block casting numbers and the engine code stamped on the intake/firing order area. A trusted reference guide for Chevrolet C/K trucks from this era can help you map codes to displacements (for example, 250 I6, 307, 327, 350, etc.).
Summary
In short, a 1970 C10 could be powered by multiple engines depending on the truck’s configuration and production date. The most common choices were the 250 inline-six and several small-block V8s (307, 327, 350), with larger-block options available on some heavy-duty builds. To determine the exact engine, check the vehicle’s build documentation or inspect the engine block and stamping for the precise displacement and code.
What engine did the C10 have?
The standard engine was a 250 cid, in-line 6. Chevrolet's famous 350 cid small block V8 was the next engine choice. In 1975 Chevrolet also offered the mighty 454 cid big block V8 as a $340 option in the C10, creating what many suggest was the fastest accelerating vehicle that GM built that year.
What engine came in the 1970 C10?
In 1969 the 350 V-8 was the largest small-block offered, and the 396 V-8 was the largest big-block V-8 offered. In 1970 the 396 V-8 was superseded by the big-block 402-inch 400 V-8 and continued until the end of the second-series Chevy C10 line in 1972.
What is a 1970 C10 worth today?
The value of a 1970 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $19,492 for a 1970 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What was the engine specs of the 1970 Chevy 350?
By 1970 Chevrolet offered the 350 LT-1 V8 rated at 370 horsepower and 380 lb/ft of torque in the Camaro Z/28 and Corvette. This small-block could rev over 6000 RPM with its free-breathing heads and high-lift solid cam, something the Pontiac 350 was less inclined to do thanks to its heavier rotating assembly.
