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What engines came in a 1986 Chevy C10?

The 1986 Chevy C10 pickup truck was available with a variety of engine options, allowing buyers to choose the power and performance that best suited their needs. The most common engines found in the 1986 C10 were the 4.3-liter V6, the 5.0-liter V8, and the 5.7-liter V8.


4.3-Liter V6 Engine


The 4.3-liter V6 engine was the standard offering in the 1986 Chevy C10. This engine produced 145 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, providing a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The 4.3-liter V6 was a popular choice for those who needed a capable truck but didn't require the extra power of a larger V8 engine.


5.0-Liter V8 Engine


For those who wanted more power, the 5.0-liter V8 engine was an available option on the 1986 C10. This engine produced 175 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, giving the truck more towing and hauling capability. The 5.0-liter V8 was a popular choice for those who needed to tow heavy loads or haul large payloads.


5.7-Liter V8 Engine


The top-of-the-line engine option for the 1986 Chevy C10 was the 5.7-liter V8. This engine produced 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine available in the C10 that year. The 5.7-liter V8 was a popular choice for those who needed the maximum towing and hauling capacity, as well as those who wanted the added performance for recreational use.


Regardless of the engine option chosen, the 1986 Chevy C10 was a capable and versatile pickup truck that could handle a wide range of tasks, from daily driving to heavy-duty work. The variety of engine choices allowed buyers to tailor the truck to their specific needs and preferences.

What is the difference between a Chevy 3100 and 3200?


The Chevrolet Task Force (or in some cases, Task-Force) is a light-duty (3100-short bed & 3200-long bed) and medium-duty (3600) truck series by Chevrolet introduced in 1955, its first major redesign since 1947.



How much is a 1986 Chevy C10 worth today?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,300 for a 1986 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.



What engines are available in the 86 C10?


Engine Options (Original): The base engine options for the 1986 C10 included a 4.3L V6, 5.0L V8, and 5.7L V8. Transmission Options: The C10 came with a choice of 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, and 4-speed automatic transmissions.



What year is the best Chevy 350 engine?


The best Chevy 350 engine is often considered to be the 1996-2000 Vortec 5.7L due to its significant improvements in performance and efficiency. This version features Vortec cylinder heads for better airflow and the more durable hydraulic roller camshaft. While earlier models were simpler, later ones like the Vortec offered a stronger block design (880 casting), which is ideal for high-performance builds. 
This video explains the advantages of the Vortec 5.7L engine: 58sMyvintageiron7512YouTube · Mar 17, 2023
1996-2000 Vortec 5.7L 

  • Vortec cylinder heads: Significantly improved airflow and combustion efficiency, leading to better performance and fuel economy. 
  • Hydraulic roller camshaft: This provides greater durability and reduced wear on the valvetrain compared to older flat-tappet cams. 
  • Stronger block: Blocks with the "880" casting number were used during this time and are built for roller cams, making them a great foundation for building a high-performance engine. 

Other notable years
  • Early 1990s (with roller cam): These engines are also desirable because they came with a roller valvetrain, but some may lack a provision for a mechanical fuel pump. 
  • 1970 LT-1: For those seeking raw, early-era power, the 1970 LT-1 version is a legendary, high-performance option with solid lifters and high compression. 
  • 1986 and newer (one-piece rear main seal): Engines from 1986 and newer are equipped with a one-piece rear main seal, which is different from the two-piece seal found on older engines. This distinction is important when selecting a compatible flywheel or flexplate. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.