Despite the focus on new vehicle components, particularly the engine, the weight of a car is often overlooked
If you’re in the market for a replacement engine or if you want to construct your own car from scrap parts, it might be a good idea to figure out how much a car engine weighs
The weight of a car engine varies, but on average, it weighs between 300 and 700 pounds
Larger engines, such as V8s, usually weigh between 400 and 700 pounds, while smaller V6 engines typically weigh between 300 to 450 pounds
It is worth noting that diesel engines tend to be heavier and can weigh more than 700 pounds
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the various factors that affect a car engine’s weight and why car engine weight even matters
In general, there are 4 factors that will affect the overall weight of a car engine—how many engine cylinders there are, how large the engine is, what the engine is made of, and when the engine was made
Let’s look at each of these variables individually to get a better understanding of car engine weights
1 Number of engine cylinders
A cylinder is a component of an internal combustion engine that is cylindrical in shape and contains a moving piston
The number of cylinders in an automobile engine can range from 2 to 12, with each cylinder producing power independently
The number of cylinders can have an effect on the performance of the engine, with more cylinders typically resulting in higher power output and a more refined operation
However, more cylinders can lead to increased weight, complexity, and fuel consumption
The following chart will give you a rough idea of how much a car engine weighs based on the cylinder count
Engine cylinder count
2 Engine size
The weight of a car engine depends primarily on its size or displacement
A larger engine has more space for air and fuel ignition and hence weighs more
Manufacturers are seeking to produce smaller and more powerful engines through the use of hybrid technology and turbocharging
3 Engine construction
The use of different materials for engine construction can result in a significant difference in weight
A cast iron engine is typically heavier than an engine made of aluminum
This is why some newer car models are lighter than older models, as older engines were often made from cast iron, while newer engines use lighter aluminum construction
4 Engine model year
Newer engines tend to be more technologically advanced than older ones, and automobile design experts have managed to shrink many components in more recent internal combustion systems
This has resulted in smaller engine sizes
In recent years, factors such as the rising cost of gasoline, global warming, concerns over CO2 emissions, and government regulations have encouraged the production of smaller engines
However, some newer engines may still be heavier due to the addition of extra sensors, accessories, and modifications
Diesel Engines
Diesel engines are usually heavier than gasoline engines due to the differences in their working principles
Diesel engines operate on the principle of compression ignition and require a strong and sturdy structure to handle the noise and vibrations generated during the combustion process
They also have a higher compression ratio than gasoline engines, requiring a thicker and heavier engine block
Additionally, diesel fuel has larger and denser molecules than gasoline, leading to a higher weight per gallon of fuel
A gallon of gasoline weighs around 6 pounds, while a gallon of diesel weighs around 7 pounds, contributing to the overall bulkier mass of diesel engines
Why Does Car Engine Weight Matter?
Engine weight is an important factor to consider in the automotive industry
It significantly impacts a vehicle’s overall performance, fuel efficiency, and handling
Here are some reasons why engine weight matters:
A heavy engine can negatively impact a vehicle’s acceleration, power, and overall performance
Lighter engines allow vehicles to accelerate faster and respond more quickly to driver inputs
A lighter engine means a lighter vehicle, leading to improved fuel efficiency
Heavier engines require more energy to move and operate, leading to decreased fuel efficiency
A heavy engine can negatively impact a vehicle’s balance, causing it to handle poorly, especially in high-speed driving conditions
A lighter engine, on the other hand, leads to improved handling and a better driving experience
In the event of a collision, a heavy engine can cause serious harm to passengers or other vehicles on the road
A lighter engine helps reduce the risk of injury in the case of an accident
A lighter engine typically requires less raw material, which leads to lower production costs
Are Bigger Engines More Durable?
The longevity of an engine is not solely determined by its size
The type of vehicle and how it is used is more crucial in determining engine lifespan
A larger engine may not have to work as hard as a smaller engine, but it has heavier components and uses more power and fuel
However, using a larger engine is not always the best choice
A heavy engine can wear out faster, so it is important to choose the appropriate engine size for the vehicle it is powering
An excessively large engine would be wasteful and consume too much power and fuel, while a too-small engine would have to work harder and wear out quicker
For example, putting a large V8 engine into a small car like the Honda Accord is not necessary as the V6 engine it uses provides sufficient power
However, for a larger vehicle like the Chevy Suburban, a V6 engine would not be practical as it would have to work too hard, leading to faster wear
The ideal engine size depends on the vehicle’s application
Hence, neither a larger nor a smaller engine alone affects its durability
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Engine?
If an engine needs to be replaced or repaired, the price tag could range widely based on the model and severity of the damage
However, on average, engine repairs can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500
The complexity of the engine and the manufacturer of the vehicle may both contribute to a price increase
Installing a high-performance engine in an imported luxury vehicle, for instance, would be more expensive than doing the same for a cheap vehicle
You can sometimes find a used engine for as little as $500 or $750
The age of the vehicle, the number of miles driven, and the cost of transporting the engine all play a role in the final price
Whether you are planning to replace your vehicle’s motor, or you are simply curious, you might be asking yourself – how much does a car engine weigh?
With so many different engines on the road, it’s difficult to say that all motors weigh the same amount
I look at several types of engines and discuss how the weight is determined
This article also determines if the engine size affects performance
However, diesel motors can weigh more than 700 pounds
Factors Affecting Car Engine Weight
Factors Affecting Car Engine Weight
Factors Affecting Car Engine Weight
The size of the motor is going to be the biggest determinant of its weight
Automotive engines are classified by how many cylinders it has
In most passenger cars, you will find a four-cylinder engine beneath the hood
However, larger vehicles are going to be equipped with six- or eight-cylinder engines, many of which are arranged in a V-shape configuration
Another factor determining the weight is the material used for the construction
A cast iron engine is going to be heavier than a motor constructed from aluminum
An older engine might be made from cast iron, causing it to weigh more than what’s found in a newer model made from aluminum
That’s why some car models weigh less as they get newer
Engine displacement is also going to affect the weight
As an example, the GM 215 cubic inch engine weighs about 175 pounds less than the LS1 346 cubic inch engine because of the smaller displacement
The larger the cylinder holes are and the further the pistons need to travel, the more weight you can expect
Because of this reasoning, a large four-cylinder engine could weigh more than a compact six-cylinder motor
The model year of the engine also impacts weight
The newer the engine is, the more likely advancements have been made
However, new technology can also lead to a higher weight as additional equipment is needed
The typical V8 engine weighs around 400 to 700 pounds (180 to 320 kg)
In a large pickup or SUV, you will often find the heaviest V8 engines
However, not all V8 engines are large and heavy
In fact, both the Ford/Jaguar 39-liter V8 from the 1990s and the GM 215 V8 were considered smaller eight-cylinder engines that weigh less than most
Most V6 engines will weigh between 300 to 450 pounds (140 to 200 kg), but the same factors are in play
The V6 engine looks similar to the V8 motor, but it contains two fewer cylinders, so you can expect the weight to be reduced overall
An example of this can be seen with the Ford EcoBoost V6 engine
The average weight of a 4 cylinder modern aluminum car engine is 200 to 350 pounds (90 to 160 kg), quite much lighter than a v6 or v8 engine
If it’s a cast-iron block, you can expect it to be slightly heavier than an aluminum engine
The average weight of a diesel engine for a car is between 400 and 700 pounds (180 to 320 kg)
The design of a diesel engine naturally makes it heavier than a comparable gas motor
Diesel engines produce more torque than the gas-powered variant, so it needs to be built differently
Fun fact: Diesel fuel weighs more than gas because of the larger molecules
One gallon of diesel fuel weighs 71 pounds, while a pound of gasoline only measures 63 pounds
Engine size won’t tell you the durability of the motor
Larger engines don’t work as hard as the smaller engine does, but they also contain heavier parts, so more fuel and power is needed
A heavier engine can wear out just as fast as a lighter engine
Engine Weight vs
Engine Weight vs
Years ago, it was safe to assume that the larger the engine was, the more power it put out
Large engines are typically used in high-performance vehicles for better speed and acceleration
However, these heavier engines also reduce braking performance because there is more weight that must be stopped
Bigger engines can also make it more difficult to change lanes and take turns
Additionally, lighter engines can be more efficient
With a lower weight, less fuel is needed to move the vehicle
That’s why it’s important to evaluate the performance and weight of an engine before deciding what’s best
Engine
The engine is a key component because it provides power and drives the vehicle
If you’re planning to build a car around a 350 engine, you’ll need to know its weight to ensure that the rest of the components are properly balanced
The weight of a 350 engine depends on the specific line and version
On average, it will weigh around 700 pounds, with the heaviest 350 engine weighing around 1,000 pounds
A Brief History of the Chevy 350 Engine
The Chevrolet 350 engine was first introduced in 1967 as part of the Camaro model
Over time, this engine became widely used in passenger cars and trucks, with various levels of tuning
The first version of this engine, known as the L-48, produced 295 horsepower and 380 lbs-ft
The 350 engine became available in the Nova in 1968, and in the following year, it became an optional feature across the Chevrolet passenger car line
During the 1970s fuel crisis, the power of the engine fluctuated, but it regained its reputation as a powerful engine with the introduction of new versions, such as the L-46 and LT-1, which produced 350 and 370 horsepower, respectively
Nearly 15 years after the introduction of the 350 engine, it received a power boost with the L98, which was equipped with a new tuned-port fuel injection system
By 1991, the engine produced 245 horsepower in the Camaro and Pontiac Firebird and 250 horsepower and 345 lbs-ft
On average, you’re looking at an engine block weighing around 700 pounds on average
Best 350 Engine Years
If you’re looking to build a new car around a 350 engine, you should first know which 350 engine to get
The Chevy 350 LT-1 engine made its debut in 1970 and quickly became popular among car enthusiasts
This high-performance engine was a marvel of engineering with its camshaft, solid lifters, and carburetor designed with an aluminum intake
However, the engine faced emission regulations and had to reduce its power from 370 horsepower to 255 horsepower in 1972 and eventually to 145 horsepower in 1975
Despite the reduction in power, the Chevy 350 LT-1 remains one of the best engines of its generation, offering exceptional fuel efficiency
The engine featured a tuned-port fuel injection system and aluminum cylinder heads, which helped it reach up to 230 horsepower
This engine was designed to cater to the growing demand for vehicles that were environmentally responsible
The L98 engine was an excellent choice for street performance and won many races
Its high torque output, fuel efficiency, and low emissions make it one of the best Chevy 350 engines available
The L31 engine is known for its strength, reliability, and durability, producing 255 horsepower at 4,600 RPM and 330 foot-pounds of torque at 2,800 RPM
You can either choose a used L31 engine or opt for a half-finished crate version, making it readily available and a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their vehicle
350 Engine Specs Chart
Take a look at the following chart to understand the basic specs of each 350 engine type
Before you go ahead and pull the engine out of your car, it’s best to know how much it weighs first
Or when trying to reduce the overall weight of a vehicle, the engine is a great place to start
Engine Size is probably the most significant factor in weight
The average V8 engine weighs anywhere from 400-700 lbs
The smaller V6 engine usually doesn’t weigh more than 450 lbs
Fuel type can also add weight to the engine
A gasoline engine is typically between 300-600 lbs
But a diesel engine can weigh over 700lbs
There are many different reasons why the weight of an engine has such a broad range that can’t easily be summed up in a few sentences
Keep reading for a more in-depth look into what can affect the weight of an engine
Engine Size and How it Affects weight
The size of an engine can affect its weight range
Engines are often measured by the number of cylinders that they have
With larger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, there are often six or eight cylinders and they are arranged along a V-shaped crankshaft
The material used to build the engine, engine displacement, and the year an engine was built are a few of the factors that can influence the weight of the engine
The material chosen to build an engine can significantly influence weight
Cast iron engines are going to be heavier than ones made of aluminum
Engine displacement, or the diameter of the cylinders and the stroke of the crankshaft, can make a difference in the weight also
The Buick V8 215 cubic inch small displacement engine weighs 300-350 lbs, while the similarly designed LS1 346 cubic in engine weighs 475 lbs simply because it’s a larger displacement
The larger cylinder holes and the further piston travel of the LS1 increase the external dimensions making the engine heavier
The year an engine was designed can also change the weight due to advancements in casting technology
The first V8 engine was the Cadillac L head engine, designed in 1914, weighing 595 lbs
Since the V6 engine is essentially the same design as the V8 engine only with two fewer cylinders, their weights are affected similarly
A cast-iron engine such as the Buick V6 38l, which weighs 375lbs
or the Chevy V6 43l, weighing at 425lbs, are significantly heavier than the aluminum V6 engine
An aluminum engine such as the Ferrari Dino V6 weighs 285lbs
the Ford Mondeo V6 engine is nearly half the weight of the cast iron Chevy V6 engine
Is a Diesel Engine Heavier Than a Gasoline Engine?
In addition to material and design, the fuel used to power the engine can play a role in the weight of an engine
Since a diesel engine creates more power than the gasoline engine, it requires a sturdier build causing it to be heavier
This can be seen in the Oldsmobile 262 cubic in the V6 Diesel engine, which weighs 590lbs
When looking at an engine like the Chevy Big Block 427 engine, initially weighing 687 lbs, consider the benefit of a gasoline engine
Chevy introduced the L-88 option for the 427 in the late 1960s, which used aluminum head cylinders in place of cast irons, dropping the weight of the engine to about 575 lbs
The gasoline engine is often lighter because of its ability to use both aluminum and cast iron parts
In contrast, the Diesel engine is more limited in this regard since it has to be made from a denser material like cast iron
Does a Bigger Engine Last Longer?
The engine size alone does not ultimately affect the longevity of an engine
A larger engine will not have to work as hard as a smaller engine, of course, but the larger engine has heavier components; therefore, it uses more power and fuel
But using a larger engine isn’t always ideal
Since the engine is heavier, it can wear quicker, so the engine needs to be sized appropriately to the vehicle it is powering
If the motor is too large for the application, it is just wasteful, using an unnecessary amount of power and fuel
While too small an engine will have to work twice as hard to accomplish the same task
Putting a massive V8 engine into a small car, such as the Honda Accord, is unnecessary when the V6 engine it uses creates more than enough power to get the job done
But when considering a larger vehicle like the Chevy Suburban, a V6 engine would need to work too hard, causing it to wear out faster
So the V8 engine is more practical
The application dictates the ideal engine size
Therefore a larger engine or smaller engine will not alone affect the durability
So what have we learned about the different weights of engines and how that can affect the overall engine?
We now know that the material used in building the engine has the most significant impact on the overall engine weight
That being said, the way the engine itself is designed also has an influence
If it’s a lighter weight you are looking for, it’s probably best to avoid the diesel engine and go with a simple gasoline one instead
And just because an engine is bigger does not mean that it is necessarily better
There are many more factors that play a role in the longevity of the engine
Now that you have a better understanding of engine weights and their impact, you are ready to take the next step on your car project – and remember to always work with your safety in mind