What engines were available in the 1962 Impala?
The 1962 Impala offered four engine families: an inline-six of 235 cubic inches and three V8s—283, 327, and 409 cubic inches—each available with different carburetion and trim configurations that affected performance and price.
In the lineup, buyers could choose anything from a modest, economical six-cylinder to robust V8s, with the most powerful options typically found on higher-trim models and performance-focused variants like the SS. The introduction of the 327 cubic-inch V8 in 1962 marked Chevrolet’s push toward higher-output engines for the full-size lineup, while the 409 remained a highlight for high-performance Impalas.
Engine options
Chevrolet grouped the 1962 Impala’s powerplants into four main families. Here is a concise breakdown of what was available:
- 235 cu in inline-six (I6) — a durable base powerplant used on standard-configured Impalas and related models; designed for reliability and economical operation.
- 283 cu in small-block V8 — a versatile V8 offered with different carburetion setups for improved performance over the base six, widely installed across mid- to upper-trim cars.
- 327 cu in small-block V8 — introduced in 1962 and available in multiple configurations, including higher-performance versions aimed at sportier driving and improved acceleration.
- 409 cu in big-block V8 — Chevrolet’s large V8 offered on higher-end and performance-oriented models, notably in Impala SS and other upmarket configurations, providing the era’s strongest factory horsepower in the lineup.
Across these options, power output varied with carburetor arrangement, compression, and drivetrain; higher-trim models and SS variants typically occupied the upper end of the spectrum with more aggressive tuning.
Notes on trim and availability
Base and mid-range Impalas commonly paired the inline-six or the 283 V8, while the 327 and especially the 409 were more often found on higher-trim cars or sport-oriented packages. The 327's arrival in the lineup reflected Chevrolet’s push toward higher performance in the full-size segment, and the 409’s presence underscored the era’s demand for big, high-output V8 power in the Impala family.
Summary
In 1962, the Chevrolet Impala could be powered by an inline-six (235 cu in) or by V8s of 283, 327, or 409 cubic inches. Each engine offered varying levels of performance depending on carburetion and trim, with the 327 and 409 engines appearing on higher-end or performance-oriented models. This mix gave buyers a broad spectrum of power, from economical daily driving to high-performance cruising.
What engines were available in a 1962 Impala?
Engine choices for 1962 included the 348-cubic-inch V8 discontinued and replaced by the 380 HP 409-cubic-inch or 409 HP 409-cubic-inch engine. These engines could only be ordered with a manual shift transmission. The small-block 283 was offered with a two barrel carburetor.
How much is a 1962 Impala worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $38,658 for a 1962 Chevrolet Impala in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1962 Chevrolet Impala at auction over the last three years was $156,750.
What was the spec of the 327 Chevy engine in 1962?
The 1962 Chevy 327 engine was a 327 cubic inch V8 with a 4-inch bore and 3.25-inch stroke. It was offered in multiple versions, with horsepower ranging from 250 to 360, depending on the carburetor, fuel injection, and other components. A base model had 250 hp, while higher-performance options included a 300 hp version and a 360 hp fuel-injected model.
This video explains the history and performance of the 327 engine, including its fuel-injected version: 59sOldCarMemories.comYouTube · May 5, 2018
1962 Chevy 327 engine specs
- Displacement: 327 cubic inches (5.4 L)
- Bore and stroke: 4.00 in x 3.25 in (102 mm x 83 mm)
- Engine type: Overhead valve (OHV) V8
- Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 (base model)
- Horsepower:
- 250 hp: 4400 rpm (base model)
- 300 hp: 5000 rpm (optional 4-barrel)
- 360 hp: (fuel-injected, Corvette only)
- Torque:
- 350 lb-ft: 2800 rpm (base model)
- 360 lb-ft: 3200 rpm (optional 4-barrel)
- Valvetrain: Hydraulic lifters (base models)
- Crankshaft: Forged steel
- Lubrication: Full pressure system with a full-flow oil filter
What Chevy engines were available in 1962?
General Year Information – 1962 Chevrolet Facts
Engine choices were the big news: In the small block line, the venerable 283 CID V-8 was reduced to only the 170 HP base V-8. The new 327 CID small block V-8 replaced the 348 CID but only offered two choices – 250 and 300 HP.
