What size is the V8 engine in the Caprice?
The Caprice has used several V8 displacements over its long production span, so there isn’t a single fixed size. Depending on the generation and market, V8s have ranged from about 5.0 liters (305 cu in) up to around 7.0 liters (427 cu in) in the US, with a 6.0-liter V8 used in Holden/Caprice models sold in Australia.
Overview by generation and market
The Caprice name has been applied to different vehicles in different regions. In the United States, the Caprice was a full-size GM car with a variety of V8 options across decades. In Australia, the Caprice was a high-end Holden developed with GM powertrains and later adopted GM’s 6.0-liter V8s. The following lists summarize typical V8 sizes seen in these markets.
Classic US Caprice (1965–1996)
The U.S. full-size Caprice/Impala lineage offered a mix of small-block and big-block V8s. The most common sizes included a range of displacements from the mid-1960s through the 1990s, reflecting GM’s engine lineup of the era.
Common V8 sizes seen on US Caprice models by era:
- 327 cu in (5.4 L) – small-block V8, popular in mid-1960s configurations
- 350 cu in (5.7 L) – widely used in many trims from the 1960s onward
- 396 cu in (6.5 L) – big-block option available in late 1960s models
- 427 cu in (7.0 L) – high-performance big-block option in some late-1960s/early-1970s Caprices
- 400 cu in (6.6 L) – big-block option available around 1970–1972
- 5.0 L (305 cu in) – common in many 1980s Caprice models
- 5.7 L (350 cu in) – widely used in 1990s Caprice sedans
These sizes illustrate a broad spectrum rather than a single standard motor for every Caprice year. The exact engine available depended on the model year, trim level, and regional market.
Holden/Caprice (Australia, 2006–2017)
The Holden Caprice, sold in Australia as a luxury variant of the Commodore, used GM’s 6.0-liter V8 in the VE/WM generation and related updates. This engine was part of GM’s Gen IV LS family and was chosen for its balance of power and refinement in a large sedan.
Typical V8 sizes for the Australian Caprice:
- 6.0 L V8 (approximately 364 cu in) – standard in most VE/WM-era Caprices
Some later Holden variants experimented with enhanced versions of the GM V8 family, but the 6.0 L unit remained the defining Caprice V8 in Australia for much of its run.
Beyond these, there were occasional police, performance, or special editions that could feature alternative drivetrains, but the sizes listed above capture the primary options across the Caprice lineup.
What this means for owners and enthusiasts
If you’re trying to identify the V8 size for a specific Caprice, the best approach is to check the model year, market (US vs. Australia), and the original specifications plate or owner's manual. For collectors, this matters because performance, fuel economy, and maintenance considerations vary with engine displacement and generation.
In short: there isn’t a single Caprice V8 size. The vehicle has used multiple V8 displacements across its different generations and markets, with common sizes around 5.0–5.7 L in many US models and a 6.0 L V8 in Australian Caprice cars.
Summary
The Caprice’s V8 sizes span a broad range from about 5.0 L to 6.0+ L in US and Australian versions, with historical options including 327/350/396/427 and 400 cu in in early to mid-era US models, and a 6.0 L V8 in later Holden Caprices. Always verify the exact engine by year and market to know the precise displacement for a given Caprice.
What type of motor oil does a 1989 Caprice take on a 5.0 305 engine?
5W-30
FRAM – 5W-30 Conventional Motor Oil, Low-Speed Pre-Ignition Control, 5 Quart (Part No. F620-5QT)
How much horsepower does a 1996 Chevy Caprice 5.7 L V8 have?
260hp
Powered by a 5.7 Liter V8 producing 260hp while mated to a responsive Automatic transmission.
What V8 engine did the Caprice come with?
The 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 engine was standard for Caprice models with the 325 hp (242 kW) 396 cu in (6.5 L) "Turbo Jet" V8 optional. It was possible to have Regular Production Option (RPO) L72, 425 hp (317 kW) 427 cu in (7.0 L) Turbo Jet V8 with solid lifters, special camshaft and carburetor, and 11 to 1 compression.
How much horsepower does a V8 Caprice have?
Chevrolet Caprice 6.0L RWD Engine: 6.0 liter, naturally aspirated V8 Horsepower: 355 0-60 MPH acceleration: 6.11 sec.
