Chevy caprice crate Engine,HP V8 355

Chevy Caprice Crate Engine for Sale. 355 HP V8 Replacement Motor.

The Chevy Caprice crate engine is one of the most specific replacement builds in the classic American full-size sedan market. If you own a Chevrolet Caprice and need a replacement engine that matches the original factory output, restores the car to driving condition, or takes it a step further with a clean performance build, a 355 HP Chevy V8 crate motor built on the proven small block platform gives you the output and reliability the car was designed around. At McClain Auto Part, we have been supplying performance and replacement engines out of Cleveland, Ohio since 2009. The Chevrolet Caprice engine for sale we carry covers both factory replacement specs and mild performance builds depending on what your application requires.

Caprice owners come to us for a few reasons. Some need a direct factory replacement after an internal failure on a high mileage original engine. Others are doing a full restoration on a classic Caprice and want a fresh engine that matches or slightly exceeds the original output. In addition, a growing group of Caprice owners is building a dedicated street or show car and wants a clean, documented crate engine as the foundation rather than rebuilding the original block. Fleet operators running police-spec Caprices also come to us for replacement engines when a high mileage powertrain needs to be addressed quickly and cost-effectively.

Whatever the application, the goal is the same. A tested, documented Caprice V8 355 HP engine that installs correctly and runs the way the car is supposed to.

Key Features

• Chevy Caprice crate engine, fully assembled and ready to install
• 355 HP Chevy V8 output, dyno tested before shipping
• Small block Chevy platform, proven SBC architecture
• Performance camshaft matched to the 355 HP output target
• Aluminum or iron cylinder heads depending on build configuration
• Intake manifold and carburetor or EFI setup included
• Compression tested on all eight cylinders before shipping
• Dyno sheet included with every engine
• 6-month warranty against internal mechanical defects
• Ships freight to all 50 states from Cleveland, Ohio
• Most orders processed within 3 to 5 business days

The Caprice V8 Platform

The Chevrolet Caprice used small block V8 engines across multiple generations. The most common configurations ran 305 and 350 cubic inch displacement depending on model year and trim level. The 350 cubic inch small block is the foundation for the 355 HP Chevy V8 crate motor we build, and it represents the most practical replacement platform for Caprice applications where factory-spec output or a mild performance increase is the goal.

Why 355 HP

The 355 HP output target sits in the range where the small block Chevy produces strong street performance without requiring exotic components, high compression ratios that demand premium fuel, or aggressive cam timing that hurts idle quality and low RPM drivability. Specifically, this output level comes from a combination of a performance camshaft, quality cylinder heads with improved port flow, and a properly sized intake and carburetor combination. The result is an engine that drives better than a stock replacement while remaining practical for everyday use.

Classic Caprice Applications

The Caprice ran from 1966 through 1996 in various forms. Early generation Caprices used big block and small block options depending on the model year. Later generation Caprices, particularly the 1977 to 1990 B-body platform and the 1991 to 1996 final generation, used the 305 and 350 small block as standard equipment. For most of these applications, the small block Chevy 350 platform is the correct foundation for a replacement or mild performance build. Confirm your specific model year and engine bay dimensions before ordering to make sure the build matches your chassis.

Police Caprice Applications

The 1991 to 1996 Caprice saw significant use in police fleet applications. Many of these cars remain in civilian hands with high mileage powertrains that need replacement. The LT1 engine used in these applications is a different platform from the older small block Chevy. If your Caprice is a 1994 to 1996 model with the LT1, confirm which engine platform your car uses before ordering. Call us with your VIN and we advise on the correct replacement for your specific application.

Technical Specifications

Specifications vary by build configuration. Call us to confirm the exact build spec on the current unit in stock.

What Is Included

The Chevrolet Caprice engine for sale ships as a fully assembled package. Here is what we include with every build.

Standard With Every Build

• Complete assembled SBC long block
• Cylinder heads, fully assembled and torqued
• Performance camshaft and valvetrain
• Aluminum dual plane intake manifold
• 4-barrel carburetor, Holley or Edelbrock
• Valve covers
• Oil pan, standard or high capacity depending on build
• Timing cover
• Water pump
• Harmonic balancer
• Distributor, HEI ready to run
• High volume oil pump

Flexplate and Flywheel

Flexplate or flywheel depends on your transmission application. Confirm manual or automatic and your transmission model when you order. We then match the correct rotating assembly to your build.

Not Included

• Exhaust headers. Source headers matched to your specific Caprice chassis before ordering
• Starter. Confirm bellhousing and starter nose configuration for your application
• Alternator and accessory drive. Confirm your chassis bracket setup before ordering

We tell you exactly what we include on the specific unit in stock before anything ships. No assumptions.

Condition and Build Quality

Every 355 HP Chevy V8 crate motor that ships from our facility goes through a final assembly inspection and dyno test before packaging.

What We Confirm Before Every Unit Ships

• Dyno tested, horsepower and torque figures recorded
• Oil pressure confirmed at operating temperature
• Carburetor tuned and confirmed on the dyno before pull
• Timing set and confirmed before dyno run
• No oil leaks at gaskets, covers, or pan confirmed before packaging
• All fasteners torqued to spec
• Compression checked on all eight cylinders, numbers recorded
• Carburetor float level and fuel inlet confirmed
• Choke and throttle linkage confirmed functional
• Visual inspection of all external components before crating

We send the dyno sheet with the engine. The carburetor is tuned for the specific cam and compression combination on your build. As a result, initial startup tuning is straightforward.

Vehicle Compatibility

The Chevy 355 crate engine fits the following Caprice applications and related B-body platforms:

• Chevrolet Caprice, 1977 to 1990, B-body platform
• Chevrolet Caprice Classic, 1977 to 1990
• Chevrolet Caprice, 1991 to 1993, pre-LT1 applications
• Buick LeSabre and Electra, B-body, select years
• Oldsmobile Delta 88 and 98, B-body, select years
• Pontiac Bonneville and Parisienne, B-body, select years

Before ordering, confirm your model year and original engine configuration. The 1994 to 1996 Caprice uses the LT1 platform, not the traditional small block Chevy. If your car is an LT1 application, call us and we advise on the correct replacement.

Broader SBC Fitment

Beyond the Caprice, the Chevy Caprice crate engine fits any chassis built around standard SBC dimensions. Common related applications include:

• Chevrolet Impala, 1971 to 1985
• Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1973 to 1988
• Buick Riviera and Wildcat, B-body, select years
• Custom and restomod builds based on B-body platforms

Confirm your specific application and engine bay dimensions before ordering.

Installation Notes

Fuel System

The carbureted build runs a mechanical or electric fuel pump depending on your chassis setup. Fuel pressure requirements for a 4-barrel carburetor sit between 5 and 7 PSI. A standard mechanical pump on the block works for most Caprice applications. However, if you run an electric pump, confirm the regulator holds carburetor spec pressure. High fuel pressure floods the carburetor and causes rich running conditions.

Ignition

Most builds ship with an HEI distributor ready to run. Set initial timing at first startup before the first drive. Total timing of 34 to 36 degrees is a reasonable starting point for most street SBC builds at this compression and cam combination. However, confirm with your tuner for your specific build before making final adjustments.

Carburetor Tuning

The carburetor ships tuned for sea level operation with standard temperature and humidity. If your build sits at altitude or in a different climate, a jet change may be necessary for optimal air-fuel ratio. Fortunately, this is a straightforward procedure that does not require specialized equipment.

Transmission Compatibility

The SBC uses a standard GM small block bellhousing pattern. Therefore, it works with the TH350, TH400, 700R4, 4L60E, Muncie 4-speed, and most other common GM manual and automatic transmissions used in Caprice applications. Confirm flexplate or flywheel spec when you order.

Break-In

If the build uses a hydraulic flat tappet camshaft, proper break-in is critical. Specifically, run the engine between 2000 and 2500 RPM for the first 20 to 30 minutes without letting it idle. This seats the cam lobes against the lifters correctly. A roller cam build has less critical break-in requirements. However, proper oil pressure and fluid level verification at first startup still matters for both cam types. We include break-in instructions with every engine.

Shipping and Warranty

Shipping

We ship from Cleveland, Ohio to all 50 states. Every Chevy Caprice crate engine ships fully crated and secured on a freight pallet. Most orders are processed and ready to ship within 3 to 5 business days after confirmation and payment. You receive a tracking number once the engine leaves our facility.

Warranty

Every engine we sell comes with a 6-month warranty against internal mechanical defects. The dyno sheet and build spec documentation ship with the engine. If a covered mechanical failure occurs within the warranty period, contact us directly. We work toward a fair resolution, whether a replacement engine, credit, or repair guidance depending on the situation.

We have been honoring warranty claims since 2009.

About McClain Auto Part

We have been supplying performance and replacement engines out of Cleveland, Ohio since 2009. Over 10,000 engines shipped. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars across 800 or more verified Google reviews. Every engine we sell goes through inspection or dyno testing by our team before it ships.

When you call us about a Chevrolet Caprice engine for sale, you speak directly with someone who understands the small block Chevy platform across multiple Caprice generations, knows the differences between pre-LT1 and LT1 applications, and gives you accurate information about the specific unit in current inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Engine Does the Chevrolet Caprice Use?

Depending on the model year, the Caprice used 305 and 350 cubic inch small block V8 engines through 1993. The 1994 to 1996 Caprice used the LT1 5.7L V8. Confirm your model year before ordering.

Is This a Direct Replacement for My Caprice?

For 1977 to 1993 Caprice applications using the traditional small block Chevy, yes. Confirm your model year and original engine configuration before ordering. Call us if you have a 1994 to 1996 LT1 application.

Is the Engine Dyno Tested?

Yes. Every build goes through dyno testing before shipping. Horsepower and torque figures are recorded and the dyno sheet ships with the engine.

What Carburetor Comes With the Engine?

Most builds ship with a Holley or Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor sized for the displacement and camshaft combination. Confirm your preference when you call.

What Transmission Does This Work With?

The SBC uses a standard GM small block bellhousing pattern. It works with the TH350, TH400, 700R4, 4L60E, and most other common GM manual and automatic transmissions. Confirm flexplate or flywheel spec when you order.

Does It Come With Headers?

No. Headers are chassis-specific. Source headers matched to your Caprice chassis before ordering.

What Fuel Does It Require?

87 to 91 octane depending on the compression ratio of the specific build. Confirm the requirement at time of order.

What Does the Warranty Cover?

Six months from purchase against internal mechanical defects. Build spec and dyno documentation are included at point of sale. Contact us directly if a covered issue arises.

What About the 1994 to 1996 Caprice LT1?

The LT1 is a different platform from the traditional small block Chevy. Call us with your VIN and we advise on the correct replacement for your specific application.

Ready to Order

If you are looking for a Chevy Caprice crate engine, a verified Caprice V8 355 HP engine, or a clean 355 HP Chevy V8 crate motor for a factory replacement or performance build, call us. Confirm your model year, transmission, and application and we will tell you exactly what we have in stock. Build spec, dyno numbers, included components, and shipping timeline.

Clean Caprice crate engine inventory moves consistently. If you have questions before committing, ask them.

McClain Auto Part. Cleveland, Ohio. In business since 2009.