What year did Chevy come out with a V8?

The first Chevrolet V8 arrived with the 1955 model year.

Chevrolet launched its inaugural V8 as the small-block 265 cubic-inch engine, a milestone that debuted in late 1954 for the 1955 lineup and reshaped Chevy’s performance and mainstream appeal for decades to come.

Timeline: Key moments in Chevrolet’s V8 debut

Below is a concise timeline of when Chevrolet introduced its V8 and how the offering evolved in the early years.

• 1955: Introduction of the Chevrolet small-block V8, 265 cubic inches, for the 1955 model year. The engine was officially unveiled in late 1954 and quickly became the standard powertrain across many Chevrolets.


• 1957: Expansion to larger displacement with the 283 cubic inch V8 and the availability of factory fuel-injected options on certain 283 versions, marking Chevy’s bold move into higher-performance V8 options.

These early milestones show how Chevrolet shifted from inline engines to a compact, powerful V8 platform that would underpin the brand for many years and set a template for American V8 design.

Why the V8 mattered for Chevrolet and the industry

The switch to a V8 gave Chevrolet a significant performance advantage in the mid-1950s, allowing smoother power delivery, higher horsepower options, and better torque characteristics for a wide range of vehicles—from everyday cars to performance models. The small-block design also influenced a generation of American engines due to its compact size, light weight, and adaptability, enabling Chevrolet to expand both passenger cars and trucks with more capable powertrains.

Longer-term impact and milestones

Following the initial introduction, Chevrolet refined and expanded its V8 lineup with improvements in reliability, horsepower, and engineering efficiency. Notable milestones include the continuation and evolution of the small-block, leading to later iconic versions such as the 327 cubic inch V8 introduced in the early 1960s and the 350 cubic inch V8 that would become a staple in Chevrolets for decades.

Summary

Chevrolet’s first V8 arrived for the 1955 model year with the 265 cubic-inch small-block engine, marking a turning point for the brand and American automotive engineering. The introduction paved the way for subsequent V8 developments, including larger displacements and high-performance options, and established a legacy of V8 performance that continued to shape Chevrolet’s lineup for generations.

Is a 350 and a 5.7 the same motor?

Yes, a 5.7L is the same as a 350, as "5.7" refers to the engine's displacement in liters and "350" refers to its displacement in cubic inches. The Chevrolet 350 is a well-known small-block V8 engine with a displacement of 350 cubic inches, which is approximately equal to 5.7 liters.
 

• Displacement: The "5.7" is the engine's size in liters, while "350" is the same size in cubic inches (5.75.75.7 liters is approximately 350350350 cubic inches). 
• Engine family: The 350 is part of the classic Chevrolet small-block V8 engine family. 
• Variations: While the displacement is the same, there can be variations in specific models due to differences in fuel delivery (carbureted vs. fuel-injected), block casting, and other components. 

When did Chevy start making a V8?

1917
Most enthusiasts know that Chevrolet first produced a V8 back in 1917, but there's quite a bit more to know about this unusual engine. Introduced to the automotive trade press in September of 1917, the Model D V8 was a remarkable departure for the Chevrolet Motor Company.

When did Chevrolet introduce the 350 V8?

The Chevy 350 engine debuted in 1967 as a 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8 and was first introduced in the Chevy Camaro. It quickly became a popular and versatile engine, offered across the Chevrolet lineup in various performance levels.
 

• Debut: The engine was released in 1967.
• First Application: Its first appearance was in the 1967 Camaro.
• Initial Output: The first version, the L-48, produced 295 horsepower.
• Expansion: It was made available in the Nova in 1968 and became optional across the entire passenger car line in its third year.
• Corvette: The 350 replaced the 327 as the base engine in the Corvette in 1969.

What was the best V8 motor ever built?

There is no single "best" V8 engine, as the title depends on the criteria, but several are considered legendary. The Chrysler 426 Hemi is often cited for its raw power and iconic status in muscle cars, while the Toyota 1UZ-FE is praised for its extreme reliability and durability, with engines often lasting over a million miles. The Chevrolet Small Block is celebrated for its immense versatility and historical production volume, and modern contenders include the high-performance Ford 5.2L Coyote and the powerful Dodge 6.2L Supercharged HEMI.
 
This video discusses the history and impact of the Chrysler Hemi engine: 1mGoodwood Road & RacingYouTube · Feb 28, 2025
For power and iconic status

• Chrysler 426 Hemi: Legendary for its massive power output, especially in muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s, which earned it the nickname "Elephant Motor". 
• Dodge 6.2L Supercharged HEMI: A modern engine known for its extreme horsepower, used in models like the Hellcat and Demon. 
• Chevrolet 6.2L Supercharged V8 (Corvette Z06): A high-performance engine that delivered impressive power in a variety of applications. 

For reliability and durability

• Toyota 1UZ-FE: A highly over-engineered engine known for its exceptional reliability, with many examples regularly exceeding a million miles. 
• Cadillac 472 and 500: Classic American V8s that are praised for their smooth operation and robust, bulletproof construction. 

For versatility and longevity

• Chevrolet Small Block: The most prolific V8 ever produced, found in everything from Corvettes to trucks, and known for its enduring design and affordability.
• Chevrolet LS1: A more modern successor to the small block that has become a popular choice for engine swaps due to its power and widespread use. 

For modern performance

• Ford 5.2L Coyote: A modern and highly popular engine design from Ford, known for its strong performance. 
• Mercedes-AMG 6.2L V8 (M156): A celebrated naturally-aspirated V8 from Mercedes-Benz that powered many AMG models, known for its sound and performance.