1955-1965 Chevrolet Small Block V-8

The Chevrolet Small Bock V-8. From its utilitarian introduction to 1 horsepower per cubic inch in 1957 and then to 375 in 10 years!

The Growth of the Chevrolet Small Block V-8 from 1955 through 1965

Introduction

The original Chevrolet small-block engine was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors between 1954 and 2003. It is a pushrod operated overhead valve V-8 with hydraulic lifters and used the same basic engine block for displacements from 265 to 327. It was called “small-block” because of its size relative to the physically larger Chevrolet W-series and Mark IV big-block engines.

Chevrolet engineer Ed Cole is credited with leading the design for this engine. The engine block and cylinder heads were cast at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations in Saginaw, Michigan. All Chevrolet small-block V8 engines of this period shared the same firing order, 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

Production of the original small block began in late 1954 for the 1955 model year, with a displacement of 265 CID growing over time. Among the displacements covered here are the 283 CID and the 327 CID versions. The later versions will be covered in other sections.

About 265 CID 3.750-inch bore (1955–1957)

Believe it or not, the 265 CID “Turbo-Fire” V8 was the second Chevrolet small-block as the first Chevrolet V8 was produced in 1917. The 265 CID Turbo Fire engine was designed to provide a more powerful engine and to react to Detroit surge in OHV V-8 power across all brands, models and divisions. From AMC Rambler to Studebaker, if you were a US brand you had to have a V-8. The impetus to get the engine into 1955 cars came from the need to replace the Corvette’s “Blue Flame” in-line six. Corvettes would have a more powerful version than the 162 horsepower 2-barrel carbureted debut version that went from drawings to production in just 15 weeks.

Cole’s design borrowed the valve train design scheduled to be used at the time in the Pontiac V8. Internal GM rules at the time stated that once an automotive division had introduced a technological innovation, no other GM division could use it for a period of two years. The stud-mounted independent ball rocker arm design patented by Pontiac engineer Clayton Leach, was scheduled for introduction in the Pontiac 1955 V8.

The fear of delay in Chevrolet not having a V-8 broke the rule and GM had Pontiac division to share its valve train design in Chevrolet’s new engine – and both engines were introduced that year with the same valve train. Pontiac got snookered twice – its V-8 was to be introduced on 1953 cars, and all 53 & 54 Pontiac’s chassis were designed for the engine. But it didn’t occur because Buick division lobbied the corporation to hold back Pontiac’s release because it affected Buick’s 50th Anniversary release of their new OHV V8 engine. This delay is how Chevrolet got around the 2-year innovation rule.

The 3.750″ bore × 3.000″ stroke was considered a “short stroke” and “oversquare” design. The original engine’s 4.4-inch bore spacing would continue in use for its entire run.

Please see each tab section for a breakdown of the available variants of the engine over time.

1955 265 CID V-8

The 265 was available in the Bel Air sedan as an option when introduced and this basic version produced 162 horsepower with a two-barrel carburetor. The small-block was initially available with an optional four-barrel Rochester carburetor and dual exhaust “Power Pack” version, increasing engine output to 180 horsepower and 195 horsepower in the Corvette where a more aggressive mechanical camshaft was used.

A shortcoming of the 1955 265 CID V-8 was its lack of any provision for oil filtration built into the block, instead relying on an add-on filter mounted on the thermostat housing, and that was an option. The ’55 block’s lack of built in filter boss makes it desirable for 1955 Chevrolet collectors and restorers.

1955 Chevrolet 265 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Economy V-8 (RPO 325).  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.00:1. Horsepower: 162 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 257 @ 2200 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252 degrees, Overlap: 38°; Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Rochester Two-barrel Model (manual transmission) 7008005 or (automatic transmission) 7008004.

Optional V-8 (RPO 410 Power Package).  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.00:1. Horsepower: 180 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 260 @ 2800 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°. Overlap 38°;  Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model WCFB 2351S.

Corvette V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.00:1. Horsepower: 195 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 260 @ 3000 RPM. Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 264°; Exhaust 266°; Overlap 50°. Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model WCFB 2218S.

1956 265 CID V-8

Passenger car V-8s for 1956 were changed slightly with the Powerglide transmission models of the 2-barrel engine receiving a higher compression and 170 horsepower. The 4-barrel version had increased compression and now produced 205 horsepower.  The dual 4-barrel Corvette 225 horsepower engine was an option on Chevrolet passenger cars in 1956.

The 1956 Corvette introduced three upgraded versions of 265 CID engine:  210 horsepower with a single 4-barrel carburetor, 225 horsepower with twin 4-barrels, and 240 horsepower with two four-barrel carburetors and a high-lift- longer duration camshaft.

1956 Chevrolet 265 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Economy V-8 (RPO 325).  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.00:1. Horsepower: 162 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 257 @ 2200 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252 degrees, Overlap: 38°; Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Rochester Two-barrel Model (manual transmission) 7008387 or (automatic transmission) 7008388.

Optional V-8 (RPO 410 Power Package).  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.00:1. Horsepower: 170 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 257 @ 2400 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 270°, Exhaust 270°. Overlap 50°;  Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model WCFB 2356S or Rochester Four-barrel 7008737.

Corvette Base V-8.  Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 210 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 270 @ 3200 RPM. Solid Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 266 degrees; Exhaust 266 degrees. Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter Type WCFB four-barrel Model 2366SA.

Corvette Power Pack V-8.  Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 225 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 270 @ 3600 RPM. Solid Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 266 degrees; Exhaust 266 degrees. Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter Type WCFB four-barrel Model 2366SA.

Optional Camshaft – Standard transmission Power Pack V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 240 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 260 @ 3500 RPM. Solid Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 287°; Exhaust 287°’ Overlap 66°. Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetors: 2 Carter Type WCFB four-barrels, Model 2419S (front) and WCFB-2362S (rear).

1957 265 CID V-8

Early in the 1957 model year, the 162 horsepower 265 was offered as the base, manual transmission and two-barrel carbureted V-8, but as existing supplies of the block were used up, a 283 CID 2-barrel V-8 was substituted.

1957 Chevrolet 265 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Economy V-8 Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.00:1. Horsepower: 162 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 257 @ 2200 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252 degrees, Overlap: 38°; Lift: 0.334″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Rochester Two-barrel Model 7010647.

1957 283 CID V-8

The 265 CID V-8 engine was bored out to 3.875 inches in 1957, giving it a 283 CID. The first 283 motors used the original 265 CID blocs, but the overbore  resulted in thin cylinder walls. Later 283 blocks were cast with thicker cylinder walls to better accept the 3.875 inch bore. Five different horsepower versions between 188 and 283 horsepower were available this year, from single dual throat carburetion to the first iteration of  fuel injection.

The 1957 Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection version produced an even one horse per one cu in (283), an impressive feat at the time. This was the second American production V-8 to produce one horsepower per cubic inch, after the 1956 Chrysler 300B.

1957 Chevrolet 283 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Base Automatic Transmission (Manual Transmission Optional).  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.870 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.50:1. Horsepower: 185 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 275 @ 2400 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: 0.398″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Rochester Two-barrel Model 7010648.

Optional Four-Barrel Carburetor V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.870 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 220 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: 0.398″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter four-barrel Model (Early) 2366SA PN 3733246 (Late) 2655S PN 3744925.

Optional Two 4-Barrel V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 245 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. Two 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: (Early) Carter WCFB 2419S PN 3730599. Rear: (Early) Carter WCFB 2362S PN 32720953 Front: (Late) Carter WCFB 2626S PN 3744002. Rear (Late) Carter WCFB 2627S PN 3744004.

Base Fuel Injection V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: 0.398″. Fuel Injection (Early) Unit Model: 701460 Air Meter: 7014361 Fuel Meter 7014362. (Mid) Unit Model: 701520 Air Meter: 7014521 Fuel Meter 7014522. (Late) Unit Model: 701800 Air Meter: 7014801 Fuel Meter 7014802.

Two 4-Barrel “Competition” V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 10.50:1. Horsepower: 270 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 4200 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust: 287°, Overlap 66°; Lift: 0.3997″. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741089. Rear: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741090.

Fuel Injection “Competition” V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 10.50:1. Horsepower: 283 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 290 @ 4400 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Overlap 66°; Lift: 0.3997″. Fuel Injection (Early) Unit Model: 701460 Air Meter: 7014361 Fuel Meter 7014362. (Mid) Unit Model: 701520 Air Meter: 7014521 Fuel Meter 7014522. (Late) Unit Model: 701800 Air Meter: 7014801 Fuel Meter 7014802.

1958 and 1959 283 CID V-8

While Chevrolet’s small block passenger car ratings did not change, the horsepower of the “Competition” 283 CID fuel injection engine was upped to 290.

1958 and 1959 Chevrolet 283 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Base V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.870 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.50:1. Horsepower: 185 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 275 @ 2400 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: 0.398″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Rochester Two-barrel Model 7011224.

Optional Four-Barrel Carburetor V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.870 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: 0.398″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter four-barrel Model  3746384.

Optional Two 4-Barrel V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 245 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Overlap 28°; Lift: 0.3987″. Two 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2626S PN 3744002. Rear: Carter WCFB 2627S PN 3744004.

Base Fuel Injection V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Overlap 28°;  Lift: 0.3987″. Fuel Injection Fuel Injection Unit: Rochester Model: 7014900.

Two 4-Barrel “Competition” V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 10.50:1. Horsepower: 270 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 4200 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust: 287°, Overlap 66°;  Lift: 0.3997″. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741089. Rear: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741090.

Fuel Injection “Competition” V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 10.50:1. Horsepower: 290 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 290 @ 4400 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust: 287°, Overlap 66°; Lift: 0.3997″. Fuel Injection (Early) Unit Model: 701460 Air Meter: 7014361 Fuel Meter 7014362. (Mid) Unit Model: 701520 Air Meter: 7014521 Fuel Meter 7014522. (Late) Unit Model: 701800 Air Meter: 7014801 Fuel Meter 7014802.

1960 and 1961 283 CID V-8

Chevrolet’s small block passenger car ratings did not change. The horsepower of the Corvette 283 CID engines were upped slightly with the fuel injection engine reaching its highest development at 315 horsepower.  Aluminum heads were offered in 1961.

1960 and 1961 Chevrolet 283 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Base V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.870 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.50:1. Horsepower: 185 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 275 @ 2400 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: 0.398″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Rochester Two-barrel Model 7011224.

Optional Four-Barrel Carburetor V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.870 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: 0.398″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter four-barrel Model  3746384.

Optional Two 4-Barrel V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 245 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Overlap 28°; Lift: 0.3987″. Two 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2626S PN 3744002. Rear: Carter WCFB 2627S PN 3744004.

Base Fuel Injection V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Overlap 28°;  Lift: 0.3987″. Fuel Injection Fuel Injection Unit: Rochester Model: 7014900.

Two 4-Barrel “Competition” V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 10.50:1. Horsepower: 270 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 4200 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust: 287°, Overlap 66°;  Lift: 0.3997″. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741089. Rear: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741090.

Fuel Injection “Competition” V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 10.50:1. Horsepower: 290 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 290 @ 4400 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287°, Exhaust: 287°, Overlap 66°; Lift: 0.3997″. Fuel Injection (Early) Unit Model: 701460 Air Meter: 7014361 Fuel Meter 7014362. (Mid) Unit Model: 701520 Air Meter: 7014521 Fuel Meter 7014522. (Late) Unit Model: 701800 Air Meter: 7014801 Fuel Meter 7014802.

1962 283 CID V-8

With the advent of the 327 CID small block, two versions of the 283 remained for the large car and the Chevy II mid-size car.

1962 Chevrolet 283 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Chevrolet Turbo-Fire 283 V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 170 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 275 @ 2200RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes 50° of ramp) Intake (315°) 265°, Exhaust (315°) 262°, Valve Lift: 0.3336″. Carburetor: Rochester two barrel: SMT 7020007, AMT 7020008.

Chevrolet Only Super Turbofire V-8. (RPO 410) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28°. Carburetor: (SMT) Carter four barrel 3779178; (AMT) Rochester 7019004.

1962 – 1963 327 CID V-8

It was a whole new ball game with the advent of the 327 CID small block. The 327 CID V-8 had a bore of 4.00 inches and a stroke of 3.25 inches. The exact displacement is 326.7256 cubic inches. Power ranged from 225 to 360 horsepower depending on the choice of carburetor or fuel injection, the camshaft duration, cylinder heads, pistons and intake manifold.

1962 – 1963 Chevrolet 327 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Corvette Base V-8 Optional Other. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio:10.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 2800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 300 degrees, Exhaust: 300 degrees (includes hydraulic cam ramps), Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28 degrees. Carburetor: (Early Auto Trans) Carter AFB 3190S PN 3788245, (Late All) Carter AFB 3191S PN 3828246.

Optional Four Barrel V-8 Chevrolet and Corvette. (RPO 583) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio:10.50:1. Horsepower: 300 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 360 @ 3200 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 300 degrees, Exhaust: 300 degrees (includes hydraulic cam ramps), Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28 degrees. Carburetor: (Auto Trans) Carter AFB 3310S PN 3819207 (Manual Trans) Carter AFB 3296S PN 3797699.

Corvette Only 340 HP Optional V-8. (RPO 396) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.25:1. Horsepower: 340 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 344 @ 4000 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Overlap 66 degrees. 4-barrel Carburetor: Carter AFB 3296S PN 3797699.

NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.

Optional Fuel Injection V-8 Corvette Only. (RPO 582) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.25:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 352 @ 4000 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Overlap 66 degrees. Fuel Injected: Rochester (Early) 7017355 (Late) 7017360.

1963-1965 283 CID V-8

With the advent of the 327 CID small block, for the years 1963-65, only one version of the 283 remained for the large car and the Chevy II mid-size car.

1963-65 Chevrolet 283 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Turbo-Fire 283 V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 195 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 2400RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes ramp) Intake (300°) 250°, Exhaust (300°) 250°, Valve Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two barrel: SMT 7023007, AMT w/AC 7023018; AMT 7023008

1964 – 1965 327 CID V-8

Horsepower increases continued for the upper levels of 327 CID small block. The 327 CID V-8 continued with a bore of 4.00 inches and a stroke of 3.25 inches. The exact displacement is 326.7256 cubic inches. Power ranged from 225 to 375 horsepower depending on the choice of carburetor or fuel injection, the camshaft duration, cylinder heads, pistons and intake manifold.

1964 – 1965 Chevrolet 327 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs for specific engine information

Corvette Base V-8 Optional Other. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio:10.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 2800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 300 degrees, Exhaust: 300 degrees (includes hydraulic cam ramps), Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28 degrees. Carburetor: Carter WCFB 3190S PN 3846247.

Optional Four Barrel V-8 Chevrolet and Corvette. (RPO 583) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio:10.50:1. Horsepower: 300 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 360 @ 3200 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 300 degrees, Exhaust: 300 degrees (includes hydraulic cam ramps), Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28 degrees. 1964 Carburetor: (Auto Trans) Carter AFB 3310S PN 3826004 (Manual Trans) Carter AFB 3296S PN 3826006. 1965 Carburetor: (Auto Trans) Carter AFB 3310S PN 3851761 (Manual Trans) Carter AFB 3296S PN 3851762 .

1965 Corvette Only 350 HP Optional V-8. (RPO 396) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 375 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 4000 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 342 degrees, Exhaust: 342 degrees, Lift: 0.4472″. Overlap 114 degrees. (includes ramps) 4-barrel Carburetor: Holley PN 3849804.

NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.

Corvette Only 365 HP Optional V-8. (RPO 396) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 375 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 4000 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 346 degrees, Exhaust: 346 degrees, Lift: 0.4851″. Overlap 118 degrees. (includes ramps) 4-barrel Carburetor: Holley PN 3849804.

NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.

Optional Fuel Injection V-8 Corvette Only. (RPO 582) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.25:1. Horsepower: 375 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 4000 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 346 degrees, Exhaust: 346 degrees, Lift: 0.4851″. Overlap 118 degrees. (includes ramps) Fuel Injected: Rochester  7017380.

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