GM/Chevrolet 5.7 350 - Production Years 1980-1985

Description

Emissions restrictions forced Chevrolet to reevaluate their small block 350s. They were used less frequently in performance makes, like the Camaro, and more frequently in their line of trucks.

The 1981 Corvettes included a 350, the L-81, which was essentially an L-48 converted to adhere to new emissions standards.

In the following year, Chevy introduced the fuel-injected Cross-Fire V8 (the L-83)

Chevy trucks came with either the LS9 or the LT9 until being replaced by a fuel-injected variant in 1987.

Makes & Models

L-81

1981 Corvettes

L-83

1982 & 1984 Corvettes

LS9

Chevy C/K model trucks up to 8500 pounds
Chevy G model trucks up to 8500 pounds

LT9

GM heavy duty (over 8500 trucks), including the Chevy CK 20/30 pickups, G30 passenger van, and various large vehicle chassis.

2-Bolt Chevy 350s

Two-bolt Chevy 350s from 1980-1985 are far more common than four-bolts and came in the vast majority of makes and models.

4-Bolt Chevy 350s

Four-bolt Chevy 350s are used for heavy-duty and high-powered applications. Ratios of 11:1 and engines with over 400 horsepower should have a four-bolt for safety purposes.