Which Impala has the Corvette engine?
The Impala SS models from 1967 through 1969 could be equipped with the Corvette’s big-block 427 cubic inch V8.
In the Chevrolet lineup, the Corvette engine—the 427 cubic inch V8—made a rare but celebrated appearance in the full-size Impala SS during the late 1960s, delivering Corvette-like performance in a sedan. This article explains which Impala models offered that engine and how to verify one today.
Historical context: the Corvette engine in the Impala
The Chevrolet small-block and big-block families intersected in the Impala lineup most notably during the late 1960s. The iconic 427 cubic inch V8, associated with Corvette performance, was made available in the Impala SS for model years 1967, 1968, and 1969. This pairing gave buyers a full-size Chevrolet with Corvette-level power and aggression, a combination that remains a standout chapter in GM’s performance history.
Models and years that offered the 427 V8
To illustrate the link between Corvette performance and the Impala, here are the Impala SS models that offered the 427 cubic inch V8. These were the years when Chevrolet positioned the Impala as a high-performance, left-field alternative to the Corvette while sharing the same engine family.
- 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS — available with the 427 big-block (L36 base or higher-performance variants depending on the build).
- 1968 Chevrolet Impala SS — continued availability of the 427 big-block in the SS package, maintaining Corvette-level performance in a full-size car.
- 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS — the 427 big-block remained a key option for the SS, again pairing Impala styling with Corvette power.
These models represent the period when GM offered a Corvette-sized engine in a dedicated full-size performance package, making the Impala SS a rare bridge between Chevrolet’s two performance icons.
How to verify if an Impala has the Corvette engine
If you’re evaluating a used Impala or shopping for an authentic Corvette-engine Impala, use a few practical checks to confirm the powerplant and its provenance.
- Inspect the engine stamping and identification marks in the engine bay for a 427 cubic inch designation and related GM build codes.
- Look for the 427 V8 badge or a clearly labeled “427” on the air cleaner, valve covers, or intake manifold in the engine bay.
- Check the documentation that accompanies the car, such as the dealership build sheet, window sticker, or factory invoice, to confirm the SS package and engine option.
- Cross-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and body/powertrain codes with the claimed model year and SS trim to ensure the factory-installed engine matches the advertised configuration.
- Visually compare the car’s trim and chassis features to known 1967–1969 Impala SS specifications; the SS badge, interior trim, and chrome detailing can help corroborate the engine option.
Verifying via multiple sources—engine stamping, documentation, and matching trim—helps establish that the Impala indeed houses the Corvette-manufactured 427 V8 rather than a different engine family.
Beyond the 427: other engines in the Impala line
While the 427-equipped Impala SS models are the ones most closely associated with the Corvette engine, the Impala lineage includes other powerful big-block options in its era, such as the 409-era performance packages in earlier years. However, the direct Corvette engine collaboration is most clearly tied to the 1967–1969 Impala SS with the 427 big-block.
Summary
In short, if you want an Impala powered by what is often referred to as a Corvette engine, focus on the 1967–1969 Chevrolet Impala SS models. These full-size Chevrolets offered the 427 cubic inch V8—the same big-block V8 associated with the Corvette of that era. Buyers should verify engine stamps, documentation, and build codes to confirm the engine configuration, as production and option packages varied by year and trim.
