When did the 5.7 Chevy engine come out?

The 5.7-liter Chevy V8 first appeared in 1967 as the 350 cubic-inch small-block. Since then, the 5.7L designation has covered several engine families, including LT1 (1992), LS1 (1997), and the late-1990s Vortec 5700 for trucks.

Because "5.7" refers to more than one engine family, the year you’re asking about depends on which specific 5.7L you mean. The original 350 small-block began in 1967, while modern 5.7Ls include the LT1 (from the early 1990s), the LS1 (introduced in 1997), and the Vortec 5700 used in GM trucks in the late 1990s and beyond.

Timeline overview of major 5.7-liter Chevy V8s

Below is a concise look at the key 5.7-liter engine introductions that have defined Chevrolet’s 5.7L lineage.

• 1967 — 350 cubic-inch small-block introduced, establishing the 5.7L lineage for performance and everyday use.


• 1992 — LT1 5.7L introduced in the Corvette C4 (fuel-injected), later used in other models.


• 1997 — LS1 5.7L introduced in the Corvette C5, marking a modern, lightweight evolution of the 5.7L family.


• Late 1990s — Vortec 5700 (L31) 5.7L introduced for GM trucks and SUVs, widely used in pickups and full-size SUVs.

These milestones show the 5.7L engine evolving from a high-performance small-block into a versatile family spanning passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.

What the 5.7L label means for today

Today, the 5.7L name most often signals one of several GM V8 families rather than a single design. Classic car enthusiasts often seek out the original 350 small-block for swap projects and restorations. In modern GM performance and mainstream models, the LS1-based 5.7L is common in late-1990s to early-2000s Corvettes, Camaros, and Firebirds. For trucks and large SUVs, the Vortec 5700 5.7L remains a familiar powerplant in late-1990s and early-2000s GM full-size vehicles, with updates over the years to improve efficiency and reliability.

In short, the 5.7L engine family has a long and varied history—originating in 1967 and continuing through multiple generations that each served different GM vehicle lines, from performance cars to workaday trucks.

Summary

The Chevrolet 5.7-liter engine lineage began with the 350 small-block in 1967 and has persisted through several modern generations, including the LT1 (early 1990s), LS1 (1997), and the late-1990s Vortec 5700 for trucks. Understanding which 5.7L you’re dealing with—classic small-block, LT1, LS1, or Vortec—helps identify its debut year and intended applications.

Is a 5.7 the same as a 350?

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. 

Is a 5.3 or 5.7 engine better?

Neither engine is definitively "better" as the best choice depends on your specific goals: the 5.7L offers more power and torque out of the box, while the 5.3L is generally more fuel-efficient and has a strong aftermarket for modifications. For performance, the 5.7L is superior in stock form, especially older versions like the LS1. For economy and modification potential, the 5.3L is often the better value. 
This video compares the performance of a 5.7L engine to a 5.3L engine: 15sExhaust AddictsYouTube · Jun 11, 2020
5.7L engine

• Pros:
  • More horsepower and torque in stock form. 
  • Older models, like the "Vortec" 5.7L, are known for strong low-end torque. 
• Cons:
  • Older versions (like the 1990s Vortec 5.7L) may be less fuel-efficient and have more emissions issues, especially in states with strict regulations. 
  • Some later 5.7L Hemis have reported issues with oil consumption and sludge. 

5.3L engine 

• Pros:
  • More fuel-efficient, especially in newer models. 
  • Often more affordable and readily available for purchase or as a replacement part. 
  • Has a vast aftermarket of parts and modifications, making it easier to upgrade. 
  • The newer Gen 3 and Gen 4 5.3L engines are more powerful and efficient than their predecessors. 
• Cons:
  • Lower horsepower and torque in stock form compared to the 5.7L. 
  • Some models have known issues, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter problems in certain years. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the 5.7L if: You prioritize power and torque and don't mind potentially lower fuel economy or higher purchase price. 
• Choose the 5.3L if: You prioritize fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and modification potential. It's the better choice for budget-friendly projects or if you're willing to invest in performance parts later. 

What was the last year of the 5.7 Vortec engine?

The 5.7L Vortec engine was discontinued in light-duty trucks after the 2002 model year, but it was still used in some heavier-duty applications and commercial vehicles until 2007. The last production vehicles to use the engine were some Isuzu NPR and Chevrolet P30 chassis, which continued through 2003, and the Express van, which was built through 2002. 

• Light-duty trucks (e.g., Silverado, Sierra): Discontinued after 2002.
• Express Van: Continued through 2002.
• Commercial chassis (e.g., Isuzu NPR, P30): Continued through 2003.
• Overall: The engine was effectively phased out as GM transitioned to the new LS engine family.

What is the best V8 engine 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.