Owners of a Chevy 350 have the privilege of having a beast under the hub. A V8 engine beast. But to be able to use all the power of that beast fully, you should use the correct firing order in each cylinder.
So what is the correct firing order for a Chevy 350? In every case, it is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Most old-school Chevies have this firing order.
Chevy 350 Firing Order: What Is A Chevy 350 Firing Order?
An engine firing order can be defined as a sequence for the spark plugs fire order, and wires routing can have a major role in this process if the engine has a distributor. The distributor is responsible for the firing order. Distributor cap firing order must be followed.
Wire routing connects the distributor cap with the spark plug of each engine cylinder. Wires are responsible for igniting the mixture of air and gas in a specific order and at the right time.
It is very important to know that when the piston is at the top dead center on the compression stroke, the distributor’s rotor must be aligned with a certain spark plug terminal. In the case of a Chevy 350, it should be the #1 spark plug, and it is located in the distributor cap.
Most engines with a small block use the HEI (High Energy Ignition) distributor. The electric energy sent from the ignition coil to the spark plug is done clockwise. So, if you are not sure which is the next spark plug, remember in which direction the clock moves.
More About Chevy 350
The 350 was introduced in 1970 with the 396ci engine, then came out with a 402ci version in 1971. The block is steel with six-bolt mains and 2V, 4V, or 6V heads. Any of these engine codes will have the same firing order.
The Chevrolet 350 and other small-block engines came in many different shapes and sizes over the years. The only thing that changed was the displacement and the firing order. If you look at the distributor, there is a tag with numbers. This number will be something like 12-2-6, so you know the firing order.
Different companies offer different parts to enhance your ride. Lee Myles Auto Wholesale is a company that provides various Chevy 350 parts for your vehicle, including gas tanks, fuel pumps, carburetors, fans, emblems, tail light tool kits, and wiper blades.
What Is a Firing Order and Its Purpose?
In plainest words, firing order is a heartbeat of an engine. Correct firing order will allow the engine to maximize performance and produce power in an expected way. You need to know the spark plug wires order because if they are out of order you will get a V8 engine that has lowered performance, and it may not even work.
If the engine’s firing order is correct, you will get a V8 engine with smoother operation, fewer vibrations, and more power. Besides that, the engine will be able to have a longer life, and passengers will have more comfort while driving. And what is most important, the engine’s performance will be at the highest level.
In this example, let’s assume you are checking the firing order on a 1993 Ford E-150.
The 1-3-7-2 ignition of spark plugs in gasoline engines creates sparks between the electrodes inside each plug’s firing tip. The resulting combustion pressure forces the engine’s pistons to move downward, which moves the vehicle’s crankshaft and transmission gears. The act of moving those parts is what makes your car go forward (and backward). So, it all starts with the ignition system.
Importance Of Firing Order
The firing order of an engine is important because it determines the cylinders’ sequence. It is significant because it can affect the performance and fuel economy of the engine. The firing order can also affect the emissions from the engine.
The firing order is also important for emissions control. When the cylinders fire in the wrong order, it can cause unburned fuel to expel from the engine. It creates emissions that are harmful to the environment.
Chevy 350 Firing Order
Understanding the firing orders is simpler with a picture or, even better – a diagram. We will now include a Chevy 350 Firing Order Diagram, so you will have an easier time understanding the topic of spark plug wires connecting distributor caps to the individual cylinder spark plug.
Chevy 350 is in a group of small block engines, and they all generally have the same firing order. It is easily seen from the diagram, and the order goes 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. You may ask yourself – how can I know which cylinder number is which?
The numbers start from the front of the engine to the rear, starting from the driver’s side. So number one is the closest to the driver, number two to the passenger side, and after that, the numbers switch from left to right.
The odd-numbered cylinders are on the driver’s side of the engine, while the even-numbered cylinders are on the passenger side. Once you learn how the spark plug wire system is assembled, you will not have many problems connecting it.
How To Wire A 350 Chevy Engine?
Often connecting spark plug wires in an old Chevy 350 can be a nightmare. Wires are everywhere, and someone with little or no experience can be in a real problem. Everything can be solved with a wiring harness made for this exact model and a wiring diagram. We will include the diagram above, and the wiring harness can be found for a couple of hundred dollars.
Check Out How to Wire A Small Block Chevy 350 Engine:
Small vs Big Block Chevy Firing Order
Small and big block firing orders on older Chevy engines are the same. We mentioned it before, but it doesn`t hurt to mention that the firing order is – 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. We can name a difference between small and big block engines, so you will know what type of engine you are looking at.
The small-block Chevy engines are 265, 283, 302, 327, 350, and 400, while the big-block engines are 396, 406, 427, and 454. They are all V8 engines, so you can’t make a mistake with that.
Newer engines with a small block are called LS engines. These engines have a different firing order, and it is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3.
Key Takeaway: The most notable difference between Big Block Chevy and Small Block Chevy is the overall size. The Big Block Chevy engine is slightly larger than the Small Block Chevy engine. As a big block, Chevy weighs more; it generates more constant power and moment of force to overcome the vehicle’s weight. In contrast, small block Chevy specializes in better acceleration and control of vehicles.
Small Block Chevy Firing Order
The acceleration and handling of small block Chevy took the hearts of hot rodders, drag racing cars, and circular tracks as soon as it entered the market. It is like a mini version of a big block Chevy with more minor strokes, smaller bores, and valves. It can generate a torque of 5800 RPM.
The firing order of a small block Chevy is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. This is the order in which the spark plugs fire. The first plug fires at the number one cylinder, and the last plug fires at the number two cylinder.
The spark plugs are numbered from the front of the engine to the back. If you look at the engine from the front, the first plug will be on the left, and the last plug will be on the right. This firing order is known as the “even fire” firing order. It’s called this because the cylinders fire in pairs, with an interval of two between each pair.
The even fire-firing order is the most common for small-block Chevys. Other firing orders can be used with a small block Chevy, but they’re not as common.
Big Block Chevy Firing Order
The outstanding power production in big block Chevy is due to bigger valves and ports, larger strokes, and larger bores. Big block Chevys were developed to provide extra power to heavy vehicles.
Its first launch in the market quickly captured the hearts of motor enthusiasts because it gave the necessary torque to heavy vehicles. In terms of working, big block Chevy can produce 5500 RMPs.
The firing order of a big block Chevy is very similar to that of a small block, except for one major difference. The big blocks have an extra cylinder. It means that the firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 (1, 8, 4, 3, 6, 5, 7, and 2).
The difference in the big blocks is cylinder number three. On a small block Chevy, this would be cylinder number two. Cylinder number three fires before the number one cylinder. There is a misconception that this will cause an imbalance in torque and horsepower. This is not true.
The engine runs the same on any number 1 cylinder in a V configuration other than 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Some think it’s the number one cylinder that affects engine performance. But, it is actually two cylinders on either side of the number one cylinder that make the most difference (the fives, fours, and sixes).
What Are The Other Chevy Firing Orders?
Old school Chevy 350 has a similar firing order that is already mentioned and described. Some of the newer and more sophisticated engines have different firing orders, and the 5.3 engine mentioned below is one of them.
What Is The Firing Order On A 5.3 Chevy Engine?
Modern Chevy engines have somewhat different firing orders. A 5.3 has its firing order, and from the diagram below the order is clearly shown – 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. The odd-numbered cylinders are on the driver’s side, while the even-numbered cylinders are on the passenger’s side.
Chevy Big Block V8 Firing Order
Chevy Big block V8 engines include a number of engines. For ease of memorization, we will mention them here. Big block Chevy’s are 396, 406, 427, and 454. They all have the same firing order – 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
327 Chevy Firing Order
327 Chevy is another small block engine made by Ford Engines. Like any other Ford from the same category of engines has the same firing order – 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
Chevy 454 Firing Order HEI
Chevy 454 is one of the big block Chevys, but the firing order is the same as for the small block ones. As we mentioned, the cylinder number starts at the front left cylinder viewing from the driver’s side.
Chevy with HEI Distributor Cap: Firing Order
The HEI distributor cap or High Energy Ignition is a distributor used to send voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plug. Fortunately, it follows the same firing order as other small block engines and it is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Small block firing order is usually designed like this, but if you are not sure, check in the product manual.
What Are The Types of Firing Orders?
The most common firing order is the straight-four engine, which uses a firing order of 1-3-4-2. Another type is the flat-four engine, which typically uses a firing order of R1-R2-L1-L2.
There are several different types of firing orders in cars; here is a list of the most common ones.
- The inline or straight-6 engine has cylinders lined up in a row.
- The V-6 engine has cylinders that are aligned in two groups of three.
- V-8 and V-12 engines have cylinders aligned in two groups of four and two groups of six, respectively.
Each engine type has a specific firing order used to maximize performance and minimize vibration. The firing order is how the spark plugs fire and affects how the engine behaves. For example, a straight-4 engine typically uses a firing order of 1-3-4-2, while a flat-4 engine typically uses R1-R2-L1-L2.
FAQs
How Can You Locate Number One On A Distributor Cap?
In every Chevy 350 engine, the cylinder number starts at the front of the engine, at the driver’s side. Number two is in front of the passenger seat. The cylinder numbers then switch from left to right. We included a diagram, so you will not have a problem finding each cylinder.
Why Does Connecting The Wire To Number 1 Backfire?
If you are sure that you connected the plug wires correctly, the problem can be in the seating orientation. Number 1 in the manuals is mentioned as the one in front of the driver, but if the driver is on the right side, it would not be in the correct order.
Before you connect any wires, be sure that you count on the issue of the driver and passenger sitting order.
Final Considerations: Chevy 350 Firing Order
Making your Chevy 350 engine work best is essential for the comfort of the drive itself and the engine’s work life. The spark that the cylinder receives should be in a particular order. The firing order in these small block Chevy engines is similar, and once you get the hang of it, you will find it easy.
If you are a DIY mechanic, learning these things will help you maintain your car and bring you a heap of confidence. Making your own Chevy 350 work like a beast is a feat!
Knowing the theory can’t be bad even if you are not interested in doing these operations yourself. You may never know when it could need you. Sometimes you can even bump into a bad mechanic. If you love your car, get to know it.
We hope you know more about these engines than before you read this article. We tried to gather all the relevant information and put it in a short and interesting form. If you are satisfied, stay with us because we have planned many more articles like this one!
