What V-8 was in the 57 Chevy?
The 1957 Chevrolet used Chevrolet's 283 cubic-inch small-block V8.
The 1957 model year marked a turning point for Chevy with the introduction of the modern small-block V8. Across the lineup, this 283-cubic-inch engine powered everything from daily drivers to performance-focused models, with several fuel-delivery options that highlighted Chevrolet’s push toward higher performance and advanced fuel systems for the era.
The engine: Chevy's 283 cubic-inch small-block
The centerpiece of the 1957 lineup was Chevrolet's new 283-cubic-inch V8, a compact, lightweight design that became the foundation for Chevrolet's performance and reliability for years to come. It was offered with several carburetion setups and, on select models, with Rochester mechanical fuel injection, signaling Chevy's early exploration of performance-enhancing fuel systems.
What follows are the main engine options that appeared in 1957 Chevrolets and how they were used across models.
- 283 cu in small-block V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors (the “Dual-Quad” setup), used on higher-performance models such as certain Bel Air/Impala variants and performance-oriented Chevrolets.
- 283 cu in small-block V8 with Rochester mechanical fuel injection (the “Ram Jet” system), offered on select models, most famously associated with the Corvette for top-tier performance.
- 283 cu in small-block V8 with a single four-barrel carburetor, deployed on standard or mid-range Chevrolets as the base V8 option.
These variants illustrate how the same 283 small-block could be tuned for everyday driving, mid-range performance, or peak capability in the era’s showroom favorites.
Models and impact
In 1957, the 283 V8 powered a wide swath of Chevy models—ranging from the beloved Bel Air and Nomad to the iconic Corvette. The availability of dual-quad and fuel-injected versions helped establish Chevy’s reputation for performance and set the stage for the enduring popularity of the small-block V8 in American muscle and cruising culture for decades.
Summary
In summary, the 1957 Chevy’s V-8 was Chevrolet’s 283 cubic-inch small-block engine, available in multiple delivery configurations: a high-performance dual-quad setup, a Rochester mechanical fuel-injection option, and a standard single four-barrel version. This combination defined the year’s lineup and cemented the 283 as a cornerstone of Chevrolet’s engineering legacy.
What were the engine options for the 1957 Chevy 210?
1957
- 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 140 hp (104 kW).
- 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 162 hp (121 kW).
- 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 185 hp (138 kW).
- 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with 4 barrel carburetor rated at 220 hp (164 kW)
Is the 5.7 Chevy engine a 350?
Among the intermediate displacements were the 283 cu in (4.6 L), 327 cu in (5.4 L), and numerous 350 cu in (5.7 L) versions. Introduced as a performance engine in 1967, the 350 went on to be employed in both high- and low-output variants across the entire Chevrolet product line.
What is the specs of the 1957 Chevy 283 V8 engine?
The 1957 Chevy 283 engine was available in multiple versions, ranging from 185 to 283 horsepower, with key specifications including a 283 cubic inch displacement, 3.875 in3.875 in3.875 in bore x 3.00 in3.00 in3.00 in stroke, and a cast-iron block with a five-main-bearing crankshaft. Performance varied significantly depending on the induction system, with the top-tier "Ramjet" fuel-injected model producing 283 horsepower.
You can watch this video to learn more about the different performance levels of the Chevy 283 engine: 1mTheRacingXpertYouTube · Feb 25, 2025
Engine specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 283 cubic inches |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.875 in×3.00 in3.875 in cross 3.00 in3.875 in×3.00 in |
| Block | Cast iron |
| Crankshaft | 5-main bearing, forged steel |
| Compression Ratio | Varies by model (e.g., 9.50∶19.50 colon 19.50∶1 for the 4-barrel; 10.5:1 for the dual-carb and fuel injection models) |
| Horsepower | Varies by model |
| Torque | Varies by model |
| Fuel System | Varies by model |
| Lifters | Hydraulic (standard), or mechanical (solid-lifter on high-performance versions) |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_huIlaY3fN8Ovi-gP2Nf1uQ8_148';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
Performance variations by model
This video explains how the fuel injection system on the 283 engine achieved 283 horsepower: 58sEpic MotorsYouTube · Nov 13, 2025
- 283 V8 with 2-barrel carburetor: 185 horsepower
- 283 V8 with 4-barrel carburetor: 220 horsepower
- 283 V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors: 245 horsepower
- 283 "Ramjet" fuel-injected V8: 250 horsepower
- 283 V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors and solid lifters: 270 horsepower
- 283 "Ramjet" fuel-injected V8 with solid lifters: 283 horsepower (achieved the goal of one horsepower per cubic inch)
Did Chevy make a 5.7 V8?
The 5.7L LS1 V8 engine was produced by General Motors for use in high-performance vehicles such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, among others. It is part of GM's Gen III Small Block engine family. Displacement: 5.7L / 346 cu.
