Small Block Chevy Firing Order [With Diagram]

The Chevrolet small-block engine is the name given to a family of gasoline-powered, V-8 automotive engines that were manufactured by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1954 through 2003. All of these engines used the same fundamental engine block. The small block series had engines with displacements ranging from 262 cubic inches 4.3 liters to 400 cubic inches 6.6 liters.

Please Scroll Below for the Small Block Chevy Firing Order

The term “small-block” was given to these engines because of their diminutive size in comparison to the considerably bigger big-block engines that Chevrolet produced. The small-block Chevy is without a doubt the most popular domestic engine, and it has maintained its position as the most popular engine for an exceptionally long time.

Engines like the SBC are particularly beloved by the aftermarket because of the long-term value they see in investing in good design, such as a well-flowing cylinder head or a well-designed performance camshaft.

Small block chevy firing order

  • Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Explanation of small block chevy

Since all of its small-block V8 engines have the same firing order, we may deduce that the order for the Small block Chevy is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. According to the SBC firing order, the cylinder with the number 1 starts the cycle, then the cylinder with the number 8, then the cylinder with the number 4, and so on. According to this 350 small block chevy firing order is also the same as above.

The firing order of a High Energy Ignition or HEI distributor cap is not always different from the engine’s firing sequence. So small block chevy firing order he is the same as the normal engines.

A small block Chevy engine’s firing order is a predetermined pattern that controls the manner in whereby each cylinder gets a charge from the ignition system. The small block chevy firing order diagram hei is a proper visualization of the whole process and its order.

Due to its construction, the small block Chevy V8 engine cannot run with all eight cylinders firing simultaneously. It requires accurate timing and design such that when one cylinder is firing, the others are on a different stroke yet still functioning in sync with one another.

The firing of the cylinders of a V8 engine has to be synchronized to guarantee seamless functioning and reduce disturbances. In addition to this, it makes for a pleasant ride while also protecting the engine from long-term harm.

Check Chevy 350 SBC Firing Order

This firing order applies to:

The firing sequence of 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 is used for all small-block Chevy engines, including the following models:

  • 262 Chevy
  • 267 Chevy
  • 265 Chevy
  • 283 Chevy
  • 302 Chevy
  • 305 Chevy
  • 307 Chevy
  • 327 Chevy
  • 350 Chevy (5.7 vortec)
  • 400 Chevy

Because of the lengthy manufacturing cycle, some many distinct models and displacements could be chosen. The vast majority of components are interchangeable over the decades, although others, like an oil pan, are designed specifically for a certain period.

They are straightforward to work on and provide a solid foundation for building street-legal engines. In addition to this, the basic configuration of the small block Chevrolet offers respectable performance. The engine may be made to start up with very little effort.

Torque specifications

Fastener TypeTorque Spec
7/16 in. Outer Main Cap Bolt65 ft.-lbs.
7/16 in. Inner Main Cap Bolt70 ft.-lbs.
3/8 in. Outer Main Cap Bolt40 ft.-lbs.
11/32 in. Connecting Rod Bolt38-44 ft.-lbs.
3/8 in. Connecting Rod Bolt40-45 ft,-lbs.
Cylinder Head Bolts65 ft.-lbs.
Screw-In Rocker Arm Studs50 ft.-lbs
Intake Manifold Bolts30 ft.-lbs
Oil Pump Bolt60-70 ft.-lbs.
Cam Sprocket Bolts18-20 ft.-lbs.
Harmonic Damper Bolt60 ft.-lbs
Flywheel/Flexplate Bolts65 ft.-lbs.
Pressure Plate Bolts35 ft.-lbs.

Chevy small block and big block cylinder numbers

You may find the same order of cylinder numbers in any SBC, such as one with the numbers 302, 305, 307, 327, 350, 400; and in any BBC, such as one with the numbers 348, 366, 396, 402, 409, 427, 454, 502; and so on. This specific sequence is necessary to identify the cylinder after the vehicle has been released from the manufacturing facility.

How is the hei distributor different?

The HEI distributor is one of the most dependable and easy-to-use ignition systems on the market. A 12-volt wire may be cut on any distributor-fired Chevrolet engine and the device will operate. You can’t do a hot rod show without it. The voltage that is generated by the ignition coil is transferred to the spark plug via a device known as the distributor. “High Energy Ignition” (HEI) is an acronym that refers to the distributor that is used on the majority of small-block Chevys.

Clockwise is the direction in which the distributor cap firing sequence should be rotated on a small block Chevy V8 engine. Many times, as long as the plug wires are correctly arranged in firing order, it doesn’t matter what digit the distributor cap has on it. Remembering that the firing sequence must follow the same pattern as the engine is the single most critical thing to keep in mind.

The small-block Chevy firing order hei engine is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. This indicates that the spark plug wire numbered eight will be placed next to the spark plug wire numbered one, followed by the spark plug wire numbered four, and so on in a clockwise cycle. So it is an add-on.

Firing orders for similar vehicles 

  • Dodge V8s: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
  • Pontiac: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
  • Rover V8: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
  • Toyota UZ engine: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Try Out B20 Firing Order

What are Small block chevy engines to avoid?

Performance and tuning enthusiasts admire the lengthy history of Chevy V8s, many of which are near-indestructible beasts that will let you shred tires all day without fear. On the other hand, a significant number of them are squeezed slop which will only lead to frustration.

California 305 V8

A tough period for American muscle in the 1980s, when new emissions rules meant that large V8s were no longer practical. The laws in California, on the other hand, were tighter than those in the rest of the country.

That’s why if Chevy wanted to sell their Corvette in California, they had to reduce the power output of its small-block V8 engine. The 5-liter engine of the 305 small block V8 used in California-sold Corvettes at the time produced just 180 horsepower; inexpensive small blocks are alluring, but avoid this one.

350 Diesel V8 

The Olds Diesel, which was employed by GM in all of its brands, is nearly entirely responsible for the negative image that Diesel engines have. To put it another way, the Olds Diesel was nothing more than a hurriedly converted gasoline V8, and its 120 horsepower was pitiful, to say the least.

267 Small Block V8

Chevrolet’s small-block V8s are famed for being dependable and powerful all at the same time. In 1979, when emissions restrictions were killing V8 power, this small V8 took pieces from the well-loved 350 but failed to deliver on any performance. The 267 was discontinued after only three years of production.

Try 327 Firing Order

What are Small block chevy engines to get?

These heavily powered beast of engines are a must-get if you are a chevy fan.

L65 327 V8

Today, we’re bombarded with options. Since there are so many wild V8 muscle cars for sale as well as so many different crate engines for your project vehicle to pick from, one might easily lose sight of the roots. When the 375 horsepower small-block Chevy V8 was introduced in 1963, almost every high-performance Chevy was equipped with it.

LS7 427 V8

Improvements and modifications have been made to the LS1 ever since it was introduced, with Chevy continually adjusting its design and components. Chevy’s monstrous LS7 crate engine can be installed in almost any vehicle, and it can be tweaked and modified to provide even more power than the factory motor’s 505 horsepower.

What is a small block chevy 4-7 firing order swap?

The firing sequence of a small-block Chevy engine may be changed. The engine’s firing sequence is altered by the 4/7 cam, which moves the power stroke for cylinder 4 to where cylinder 7 used to be, and the other way around. 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 is the new firing order for a standard Chevy.

The purpose and result of the small block chevy firing order 4-7 swap are Engine smoothness is believed to be improved as a result of the new firing order.

Check out Nissan V6 Firing Order

SBC 350 FIRING ORDER OLD SCHOOL MECHANIC METHOD EXPLAINED Part 1

Jake Mayock