What engine is in a 1987 Chevy R10?
The 1987 Chevy R10 most commonly used a 4.3-liter V6, a 5.0-liter V8, or a 5.7-liter V8, with the exact choice depending on trim and options. The base configuration typically relied on the V6, while higher trims offered the V8 options.
In 1987, the R10 designation referred to a trim level within Chevrolet’s C/K pickup lineup rather than a single powertrain. The engine you got in a given R10 could vary by cab/bed configuration, option package, and production date. To know the exact engine, you’d usually verify the vehicle’s VIN or build sheet.
Engine options in the 1987 Chevy R10
Below are the engines you could typically find in a 1987 R10, depending on the configuration and options.
- 4.3L V6 (approximately 262 cubic inches)
- 5.0L V8 (approximately 305 cubic inches)
- 5.7L V8 (approximately 350 cubic inches)
Note: The specific fuel system (carbureted vs. throttle-body or multiport injection) and output varied by year and option package. Diesel and larger heavy-duty engines were less common in the R10 half-ton lineup and were more typical of higher-capacity models in the same generation.
How to verify the exact engine on a specific truck
Because the R10 spanned multiple configurations, the most reliable way to confirm the engine is to check the VIN, the under-hood identification tag, or the build sheet. This ensures you know which engine was installed for a particular vehicle rather than relying on generic year-wide options.
Summary
For a 1987 Chevy R10, the likely engines were the 4.3L V6, the 5.0L V8, or the 5.7L V8, with the exact choice determined by trim, cab/bed configuration, and options. Always verify with the vehicle’s VIN or build sheet to identify the precise powertrain in a specific truck.
