What motor came in a 1962 Impala?
The 1962 Chevrolet Impala offered several engine options, with the most notable being inline-six and multiple V8s ranging from 283 to 409 cubic inches. Availability varied by model and trim, so buyers could choose a modest everyday engine or a high-performance powerplant for the top-line Impala variants.
To understand what powered a 1962 Impala, it helps to know the lineup at the time. Chevrolet’s full-size cars could be equipped with a range of mills, from economical inline-sixes to big-block V8s, with the performance-oriented Impala SS often linking to the larger engines. The exact motor in a given car depended on the specific trim, option packages, and production date.
Engine options in the 1962 Impala
The following list summarizes the main engine options Chevrolet offered for the 1962 Impala. Availability varied by body style and option package.
- Inline-six: Chevrolet’s 235 cubic-inch inline-six engine was offered in some 1962 Impala configurations, providing decent economy and reliability for buyers not seeking high performance.
- 283 cubic-inch small-block V8: A common V8 option that balanced performance with everyday usability, available in multiple carburetion configurations.
- 327 cubic-inch V8: A widely desired V8 that came in several versions, including four-barrel setups for more power and performance-oriented applications.
- 409 cubic-inch big-block V8: The high-performance option for the Impala, available on certain trims such as the Impala SS, delivering substantial power for enthusiasts.
In practice, engine choice depended on the model and options chosen. Base Impalas could be ordered with the inline-six or the 283 V8, while higher-trim models and especially the SS could be equipped with the larger 327 or 409 engines for enhanced performance.
Notes on the Impala SS and performance-oriented setups
The early-1960s Impala SS line emphasized performance, and buyers could opt for the big-block 409 for maximum acceleration and highway performance. The availability of the 327 and 409 engines varied by year-and-application package, so checking the specific VIN and RPO codes for a given car is essential to confirm the exact motor installed.
Summary
The 1962 Impala offered a diverse engine lineup: a 235 cubic-inch inline-six, and V8 options including 283, 327, and 409 cubic inches. The inline-six and 283 were common for everyday driving, while the 327 and especially the 409 powered the performance-oriented Impala SS. Engine choice depended on trim and available option packages, making the 1962 Impala a versatile blend of practicality and performance.
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 SS worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $65,890 for a 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS? The highest selling price of a 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS at auction over the last three years was $297,000.
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.
