What engines did Chevy make in 1964?
Chevrolet offered a four-tier engine lineup in 1964, ranging from a 230 cubic inch inline-six to two families of V8s, including the big-blocks 409 and 427, with the smaller 283 and 327 engines serving most daily-driver applications and performance variants.
In 1964, Chevrolet maintained its strategy of pairing practical, durable six- and small-block V8 engines with option-rich high-performance big-blocks. The year sits in the middle of Chevy’s horsepower race era, just before the big-block displacements expanded further in the mid-to-late 1960s and before the industry-wide shift to different displacement rules. Below is a breakdown of the main engines Chevrolet produced and offered in 1964, along with context for where they appeared on the lineup.
Small-block and inline engines
The following list outlines the principal engines in the inline-six and small-block V8 families that Chevrolet produced for its cars in 1964. Availability varied by model and option package.
- 230 cu in inline-six (I6) – a standard six-cylinder engine used in base models and some trucks, valued for reliability and efficiency.
- 283 cu in small-block V8 – a versatile, long-running V8 that powered many Chevys, offered in multiple carburetion configurations (including two- and four-barrel setups) to meet economy and performance needs.
- 327 cu in small-block V8 – a popular performance-oriented V8 used across a wide range of models, available with several horsepower and carburetion configurations depending on the model and options.
These engines formed the backbone of Chevrolet’s everyday and performance offerings in 1964, enabling everything from economical sedans to early performance variants.
Big-block engines
The following list highlights the large-displacement engines Chevrolets offered in 1964, typically reserved for higher-performance models and larger cars such as full-size Chevrolets and Corvette.
- 409 cu in big-block V8 – a key performance engine for Chevrolets in the big-car and muscle-car era, delivering substantial torque and power for updated full-size models and performance variants.
- 427 cu in big-block V8 – a high-performance option available in select models and packages, most prominently associated with Corvette and other performance-focused Chevrolets in this era.
Note: Availability varied by model and trim. The 427 was a specialized high-performance option rather than a standard offering across the entire Chevrolet line in 1964.
Summary
Chevrolet's 1964 engine mix balanced practical inline-six and small-block V8 options with powerful big-block alternatives. The inline-six 230, the 283 and 327 small-blocks, and the big-block 409 and 427 covered a broad spectrum—from everyday family cars to Corvette-level performance. This year sits at the threshold of the muscle-car era, with the big-blocks signaling Chevrolet’s continued emphasis on high-performance engineering that would intensify in the years to come.
What engine came in a 1964 Chevy truck?
Powertrain
| 1960–1966 C/K (pickup truck) powertrain details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Engine family | Production |
| 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 | Chevrolet small-block engine | 1960-1966 |
| 292 cu in (4.8 L) I6 | Chevrolet Turbo-Thrift engine | 1963-1966 |
| 305 cu in (5.0 L) V6 | GMC V6 engine | 1960-1966 |
What is the rarest Chevy engine?
The rarest Chevy engines are the 1969 ZL1 427 V8 and the 1963 Z11 427 V8. The ZL1 is arguably the rarest due to its extreme performance and high cost, with only 69 factory-built aluminum V8s produced for racing. The Z11, also a 427 V8, was an even earlier and more limited production model, with fewer than 40 units built in 1963.
You can watch this video to learn about the 1969 ZL1 engine, one of the rarest Chevy engines ever built: 55sIts Just Cars!YouTube · Jul 15, 2025
1969 ZL1 427 V8
- Production: Only 69 were built, all with aluminum blocks.
- Features: Included forged internal components, high-flow heads, and a transistorized ignition.
- Performance: Officially rated at 430 hp, but was unofficially capable of over 500 hp.
- Rarity: Its high cost made it a rare option, and it was developed to bypass GM's "no racing" policy.
1963 Z11 427 V8
- Production: Extremely limited production, with fewer than 40 units created.
- Features: An enlarged 427ci version of the 409 engine with taller heads and aluminum intake manifold and water pump to save weight.
- Performance: Produced 430 hp.
- Rarity: This was a limited-production run, making it Chevrolet's rarest engine of all time.
What engine came in a 1964 Nova?
The most powerful choice was the 327 cubic-inch V8 engine, which could deliver up to 350 horsepower, offering strong acceleration and performance. Other engine options included a 194 cubic-inch inline-six for those seeking more economy and a 283 cubic-inch V8 for a balanced mix of power and efficiency.
What engine did the 1964 Impala have?
The standard SS engine was actually the Turbo-Thrift 230-cid inline six, rated at a pedestrian 140 hp. Above that were the 195-hp 283, and 250- and 300-hp versions of the 327 mill. Further up the ladder, the Turbo-Fire 409 V-8 was available in three versions.
