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Which cylinder is number 1 on a chevy 350?

The cylinder labeled as number 1 on a Chevrolet 350 is the front-most cylinder on the driver’s side (the left bank) of the small-block V8.


The Chevrolet 350 uses two banks of four cylinders. The left (driver’s) bank carries cylinders 1, 3, 5, and 7 from front to back, while the right (passenger) bank carries cylinders 2, 4, 6, and 8 from front to back.


Cylinder numbering on the Chevy 350


To visualize the numbering, orient the engine with the front toward the radiator and the driver’s seat on the left when you are standing in front of the car. This is where cylinder 1 sits.



  • Bank 1 (driver's side): 1, 3, 5, 7 from front to back.

  • Bank 2 (passenger side): 2, 4, 6, 8 from front to back.

  • Cylinder 1 is the front-most cylinder on the left bank.


Understanding this layout helps with spark plug access, timing, and diagnosing misfires or performing cylinder-specific work.


Firing order context


The standard firing order for many Chevrolet small-block V8 engines is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Knowing that 1 is front-left helps you map the rest around the distributor cap and spark plug wires.


Summary


In short, on a Chevy 350, cylinder 1 is the front-most cylinder on the driver's side (left bank) when facing the engine from the front. The left bank contains 1-3-5-7, while the right bank contains 2-4-6-8, front to back.

How to fix cylinder 1 misfire on Chevy?


Repairing P0301

  1. Replace spark plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs in cylinder 1 should be replaced.
  2. Replace ignition coils: Faulty ignition coils should be replaced to ensure proper spark delivery.
  3. Repair or replace fuel injectors: Malfunctioning fuel injectors in cylinder 1 should be repaired or replaced.



Which cylinder is number 1 on a V8?


Cylinder number one on a V8 is typically the frontmost cylinder on the bank that is slightly forward. The side that cylinder one is on depends on the manufacturer; for example, it's often on the driver's side for GM and Chrysler, but on the passenger's side for Ford. The other cylinders are then numbered sequentially based on either following each bank front-to-back or in a firing order pattern around the crankshaft.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the cylinder location on a Chevy 350 V8: 30sWirelesSHackYouTube · Sep 30, 2024
General location

  • The #1 cylinder is the one closest to the front of the engine. 
  • One of the cylinder heads will be slightly further forward than the other. The #1 cylinder is on that forward-most bank. 

Common manufacturer variations
  • GM and Chrysler: The #1 cylinder is often at the front of the driver's side bank. 
  • Ford: The #1 cylinder is typically at the front of the passenger's side bank. 

Cylinder numbering patterns
  • Sequential by bank: Some manufacturers number the cylinders in each bank sequentially. For example, cylinders 1-4 on the driver's side and 5-8 on the passenger's side.
  • Alternating: Other manufacturers number the cylinders based on the crankshaft, alternating banks. For example, 1-3-5-7 on one bank and 2-4-6-8 on the other. 

You can also watch this video to see the cylinder identification on a Ford 4.6L V-8: 36sBarbour's Auto HelpYouTube · Jan 28, 2024



What is the firing order on a 5.7 Chevy?


5.7L and 7.4L Engines Firing order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 Distributor rotation : Clockwise. Fig.



Which cylinder is cylinder 1?


Cylinder 1 is typically the frontmost cylinder of the engine, the one closest to the timing belt or cover. In a V-type engine, Cylinder 1 is the frontmost cylinder on the first bank (the bank closest to the front of the vehicle). Some exceptions exist, so it's always best to check your vehicle's service manual for the most accurate identification, but the general rule is to start from the front, near the timing components.
 
This video shows how to identify engine cylinder numbers: 55sBarbour's Auto HelpYouTube · Dec 2, 2021
Standard identification

  • Inline engines: The cylinder nearest the timing belt or cover is Cylinder 1. The numbering progresses sequentially from front to back (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). 
  • V-type engines: One cylinder bank is slightly more forward than the other. Cylinder 1 is the frontmost cylinder in that bank. For example, on the driver's side of a V8 with a common configuration, cylinders 1, 3, 5, and 7 would be in order from front to back, and on the passenger side, cylinders 2, 4, 6, and 8 would be. 

Important notes
  • Check the service manual: While there are standard conventions, always consult your specific vehicle's service manual to be certain, as some manufacturers have exceptions. 
  • Flywheel vs. timing belt: While some engines may number starting from the flywheel, the most common method starts from the timing belt side. 
  • Specialized engines: Other types of engines, such as certain motorcycles or aircraft engines, may have different numbering conventions. 


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.