What engine is in a 1978 Chevy C10?
The most common engine in a 1978 Chevy C10 was the 350 cubic inch V8, though several other V8 options were available from Chevrolet that year.
In 1978 the Chevy C10, part of the C/K pickup family, offered multiple powerplants to suit different needs—from everyday work trucks to performance-focused builds. This article outlines the engine options you could have found in a 1978 C10 and how to identify the exact engine in your truck.
Engine options for the 1978 C10
Below are the primary engines Chevrolet offered for the 1978 C10 pickups, covering the most common configurations across 1/2-ton and heavier-duty variants.
- 350 cubic inch V8 (5.7 L small-block) — the workhorse standard engine found in most 1978 C10s, balancing power and reliability.
- 305 cubic inch V8 (4.9 L small-block) — a smaller displacement, more economical option installed in some trucks.
- 400 cubic inch V8 (6.6 L big-block) — a larger displacement option available in certain heavy-duty configurations for extra torque.
Note: Availability depended on trim, cab/bed configuration, and whether the vehicle was built as a light- or heavy-duty model. Some trucks may have had engine swaps over the years, so verify via the VIN and engine stamping.
How to identify your engine
To confirm the exact engine in your 1978 C10, use identification methods that are standard for vintage GM trucks, including checking the engine code on the block, the vehicle VIN, and the build sheet or glove box label.
Quick steps to verify the engine type:
- Locate the engine stamp on the block to read the code (these vary by engine family).
- Cross-check the code with Chevrolet's 1978 engine code lists or your vehicle's build sheet.
- Check the door or glove box sticker for the original engine option code and configuration.
These identification steps help ensure you know whether your truck originally came with a 350, a 305, or a 400 engine, which matters for parts compatibility and restoration work.
Summary
For 1978, Chevrolet offered multiple engine options for the C10, with the 350 small-block V8 being the most common, the 305 small-block as an economical alternative, and the 400 big-block for heavy-duty applications. Engine identification relies on the engine stamp, VIN, and original build documentation to confirm the exact configuration.
In short, a 1978 Chevy C10 could house several engines depending on the specific truck's trim and options, most notably the 350 V8, with occasional 305 V8 and 400 V8 configurations.
