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What motor is in a 1979 Chevy C10?

The 1979 Chevy C10 pickup truck was equipped with a variety of engine options, but the most common was the 350 cubic inch (5.7 liter) V8 engine. This powerful small-block V8 was a staple of Chevrolet's truck lineup for many years and provided ample power and torque for hauling and towing.


Engine Specifications


The 350 V8 engine in the 1979 Chevy C10 had the following key specifications:



  • Displacement: 350 cubic inches (5.7 liters)

  • Horsepower: 160 hp @ 4,000 rpm

  • Torque: 275 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm

  • Compression Ratio: 8.2:1

  • Fuel System: 2-barrel carburetor


This engine was a robust and reliable workhorse that provided good power and fuel efficiency for the time. It was available with either a 3-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.


Engine Options


While the 350 V8 was the most common engine, the 1979 Chevy C10 was also available with a few other engine choices:



  • 250 cubic inch (4.1 liter) inline 6-cylinder engine (115 hp)

  • 400 cubic inch (6.6 liter) V8 engine (175 hp)

  • 454 cubic inch (7.4 liter) V8 engine (230 hp)


The 6-cylinder and larger V8 options were less common, as the 350 V8 provided a good balance of power and efficiency for most C10 buyers.


Aftermarket Modifications


Over the years, many owners of 1979 Chevy C10s have modified their trucks with aftermarket performance parts to extract even more power from the 350 V8 engine. Common upgrades include:



  • Larger carburetor

  • Performance camshaft

  • Upgraded cylinder heads

  • Exhaust system modifications

  • Forced induction (turbocharger or supercharger)


These modifications can boost the engine's output to well over 300 horsepower, transforming the C10 into a true high-performance truck.

What is the difference between a 1979 Chevy C10 and K10?


A C10 was a two-wheel drive pickup, whereas the K10 was four-wheel drive. The difference is as simple as that, and Chevrolet would use the C and K distinctions for decades. Because of the drive difference, the four-wheel K models tended to be pricier than the C models.



What year is the most desirable C10?


4. What year C10 is the most popular? Q: What year C10 is the most popular? A: The 1973-1987 models, known as the "Square Body" generation, are often considered the most popular among enthusiasts.



What engine is in a 1979 C10?


A: The engine powering the 1979 Chevrolet C-10 Pickup was a Straight 6 (4097 cc | 250.0 cu in. | 4.1 L.) 175 Ft-Lbs (237 NM) @ 2000 RPM.



What does C10 stand for?


C10, This nomenclature was used by Chevrolet to distinguish their line of pickup trucks throughout the 1960s to the 1980s. The "C" in C10 stands for "Conventional" in reference to the truck's two-wheel-drive system, while the "10" refers to the half-ton rating of the truck's payload capacity.



What years are the Chevy K20?


Chevrolet K20 - 3rd Gen (1973 to 1989)
The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year. The K20, which was a 3/4 ton, all wheel driv... The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year.



What engines were available in the 1979 Chevy truck?


A 250 cubic-inch inline-six was standard, with the option of a 292 cubic-inch inline-6, a 307 cubic-inch V8, a 350 cubic-inch V8, and a 454 cubic-inch V8.



What trucks did Chevy make in 1979?


Top of the new Chevy line for '79 is a beautiful Brute - the Silverado pickup, also the C-20 and C-30 cab-chassis for toting your choice of special tray, van, camper body or Luton Peak. One way or another, you'll find there's a Chevrolet that fits into your future.



What is the most dependable year of a Chevy truck?


Credited as being one of the best years of a Chevy Silverado 1500 to buy used, the 2012 model year is renowned for its reliability, with fewer complaints than many of the Chevy Silverado of the early 2010s.



What is the difference between Chevy C and K?


Used for both the model branding and the internal model code, "C" denoted two-wheel drive, while "K" denoted four-wheel drive.



What does the k in K10 stand for?


The Chevy C/K pickup line was composed of two different designations, “C” and “K”. The “C” designates the two-wheel drive trucks in the line, while the “K” designates four-wheel drive.


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.