What engine was in the 1977 Chevy Caprice?
The 1977 Caprice offered a range of V8 engines, with the 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) V8 being the most common configuration. Other options included smaller and larger V8s, depending on trim and order.
Engine options for the 1977 Caprice
The following are the main engine displacements that were available across the 1977 Caprice lineup; availability varied by trim level and production period.
- 5.0 L V8 (305 cu in) — a smaller-block V8 offered on some base and mid-range Caprice models.
- 5.7 L V8 (350 cu in) — the most common upgrade, widely used across many Caprice configurations.
- 6.6 L V8 (400 cu in) — a larger-capacity option available on select configurations and higher trims.
- 7.4 L V8 (454 cu in) — a big-block engine available on certain rare or specially ordered Caprice models.
Note: Engine availability was influenced by emissions regulations of the era and the specific option packages chosen by buyers. Not every Caprice listed all four engines.
Technical and historical context
In 1977, GM offered multiple V8 configurations across its full-size lineup as buyers weighed performance against fuel economy and emissions controls. The Caprice’s engine choices reflected this mix, with the 350 (5.7 L) V8 serving as the norm and larger engines reserved for higher-end or special-order builds.
Notes for collectors and enthusiasts
For collectors, matching the engine to the original build is important. Verifying the engine code, build sheet, and VIN can confirm the factory-installed powerplant, which can influence value and authenticity for a given Caprice.
Summary
The 1977 Chevrolet Caprice could be equipped with a range of V8 engines, most commonly the 350 cu in (5.7 L) for the bulk of models. Other options included the 305 cu in (5.0 L), 400 cu in (6.6 L), and the less common 454 cu in (7.4 L) big-block, with exact availability tied to trim and factory order.
How much is a 1977 Chevy worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,038 for a 1977 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What is the difference between the 1976 and 1977 Caprice?
Launched in late September 1976, the 1977 Caprice Classic was drastically downsized, which reduced its weight and exterior dimensions, while increasing headroom, rear-seat legroom and trunk space compared to 1976 models.
How much horsepower does a 1977 Chevy 350 have?
The 350 was rated at 165 hp at 3800 rpm. There was a choice of the light duty or heavy duty emissions package too which did not make a difference to the hp ratings but for some reason the light duty emissions 350 had 5 pounds more torque than the heavy duty version. 260 @2400 rpm vs. 255 @ 2800 rpm.
How much horsepower does a 1977 Chevy Caprice have?
With its various emissions devices, it produced 145 horsepower. However, the tried-and-true 350 V-8 was optionally available and still a great choice. Installed in a '77 Caprice, it produced 170 hp. The Caprice sedan was the most popular full-size Chevrolet of 1977, with 212,840 built, believe it or not.
