Having an incorrect firing order on a Chevy 350 engine can cause a bumpy and uncomfortable ride. Unless you like your Chevy engines misfiring, it’s helpful to know the precise Chevy 350 firing order.
If you’re wondering what is the the correct firing order on a Chevy 350, it is: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
This firing order simply means that the number 1 spark plug should be followed by the number 8 spark plug and then the number 4 spark plug in that order in a clockwise direction. Furthermore, knowing the correct firing sequence balances the engine, allows smooth operation, and reduces vibrations.
In this article, I’ll explain the correct Chevy 350 firing order for both SBC and BBC engines to complete the ignition pattern as it should.
Chevy 350 Firing Order (Small Block)
Small-block Chevy (SBC) engines are known as “small-block” because they are significantly smaller than their big-block Chevy (BBC) counterparts. They feature 262 to 400 cu in, compared to 348 to 572 cu in displacement on the BBC.
Chevy 350 firing order is the same across all its small-block V8 engines, which means that the SBC firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
The small-block motor includes the 262, 265, 267, 283, 302, 327, 350, and 400. The SBC firing order means that cylinder number 1 fires first, followed by cylinder number 8, cylinder number 4, and so on.
To know which cylinder is number one, you’ll have to look from the front of the engine on the driver’s side to the rear. Hence, the front-left cylinder is number 1. All alternating numbers start from the left, going to the right. Equally important, all cylinders with even numbers will be on the engine’s right side.
Fundamentally, the odd-numbered cylinders are located on the driver’s side, while the even-numbered cylinders are on the passenger’s side.
The 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 firing order applies to all small block Chevy engines, such as:
- 262 Chevy
- 267 Chevy
- 265 Chevy
- 283 Chevy
- 302 Chevy
- 305 Chevy
- 307 Chevy
- 327 Chevy
- 350 Chevy (5.7 vortec)
- 400 Chevy
This order excludes LS1 to LS7 engines that do not run at the same SBC firing order. Instead, LS1 through LS7 run at 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. This firing order is similar to the 5.3L engine, different from other Chevy vehicles with a small-block Chevy motor.
BBC Firing Order (Big Block)
Big-block Chevy (BBC) V8 engines have a similar firing order to SBC V8 engines; 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. It applies to all BBC engines such as:
- 366 Chevy
- 396 Chevy
- 402 Chevy
- 427 Chevy
- 454 Chevy
- 502 Chevy
- etc.
BBC firing order also means that when the piston is at TDC (Top Dead Center), on the compression stroke, you should align the rotor inside the distributor with the number 1 spark plug terminal in the distributor cap.
Additionally, this firing order works on other V8 engines from other manufacturers, including GM, Chrysler, and Ford Windsor (excluding 351). Even then, it may seem like GM’s firing order is different because of how its cylinders are numbered, but the sequence remains similar to Chevy 350.
HEI Distributor Chevy 350 Firing Order
A High Energy Ignition (HEI) distributor cap usually has its firing order, but it’s not necessarily different from the engine’s firing order. An HEI distributor cap is a small device that facilitates the transfer of electric energy from the ignition coil to the spark plug.
SBC V8 engines utilize an HEI distributor cap whose firing order follows a clockwise direction. However, the number one position on your HEI distributor cap does not matter as long as you have the spark plugs in the correct firing order.
Equally important is that the firing order should follow the same pattern as the engine. In other words, HEI distributor Chevy 350 firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. This firing order is identical to Chevy point distributor.
This video shows how to install a distributor in a small block Chevy. You will also find the position of the number 1 cap there.
Chevy Small Block and Big Block Cylinder Numbers
Conclusion
The Chevy 350 firing order is similar for SBC and BBC V8 engines. Fortunately, the cylinders are arranged in a manner that makes it easy for Chevy fans to figure out the firing order quickly.
Still, it’s essential to label the distributor cap, and the spark plug ends with their corresponding cylinder number. This way, you will put back the spark plugs in the correct order when it’s time to crank the engine over.
I hope you now know the firing order of the Chevy 350 engine by heart before you embark on a new project.
