The fact that V8 engines can be tricky to maintain often doesn't bother buyers as much as it should. When they're brand new, these engines can be magnificent with amazing power and symphonic sounds, but sadly, some of them fall apart quickly. A key problem can be that some engines aren't right for the car and that all the cylinders in the world can't help the car if the rest of the internals is a mess. Yet, some V8 engines are clearly better than others.
On the other hand, it's always impressive to see V8 engines that are so long-lasting that, years after their creation, they can still run as smooth as when they rolled off the factory floor. And similarly, some of them are so horrible that they make a four-cylinder seem like a better pick. These are five of the most reliable V8 engines out there and five not worth the purchase to show not every V8 is worthy of the name.
10 Want Nothing To Do With: GM 267 V8 Small Block
A small block V8 is tricky enough, but the GM 267 version is one of the worst ever. It was placed into the late 1970s/early-80s Camaro and Monte Carlo when the emissions laws of the time cut down on regular V8 power.
But even by those standards, the 267 was so small, it could barely get any power at just 120 hp. It was poorly built and easy to break apart, but even when running perfectly, it was so weak that a V6 could outdo it. It's the one small-block V8 no one wants to put under their hood.
9 Trust: Chrysler 5.7l Hemi
A Chrysler Hemi V8 is a good buy, but the 5.7l version is one of the best. It's powerful enough with nearly 400 hp, and that's without modifications. It's a rare beast of a V8 just at home in a big city luxury car as in a construction site truck.
It's also wonderfully designed with nearly 200,000 miles before serious issues come up. While upkeep is needed, it's not as expensive or common as with other Hemi engines and the fact it can be used for a variety of cars is what helps this be one of Chrysler's better modern V8 efforts.
8 Want Nothing To Do With: BMW N63
It takes a lot to be called the worst modern BMW engine, but the N63 manages to achieve that. First, the engine coils have to be replaced every 40,000 miles or so with the spark plugs every 30,000 miles and half that if it's running tunes.
Not doing that leads to misfires, cold starts and rough idling. Then there's excess oil consumption, fuel injector failure, leaving valve stem seals and fast battery drainage. It all adds up to one BMW V8 not worth the hassle.
7 Trust: Chevy LS3 6.2
Supercharged V8 engines can be tricky today, thanks to all the technology involved. That makes the Chevy LS3 6.2 an impressive achievement. Whether a regular version of the EcoTec3 option, the 6.2 is a good buy that can last over 200,000 miles.
A stock version can get 430 hp with turbocharging and tuning, pushing it close to a thousand. It's easy to maintain and tune for either a truck or regular car and proves Chevy can still craft some wonderful long-running V8s for long-time owners.
6 Want Nothing To Do With: Chevrolet 5.3-Liter Ecotec3
A serious comedown in quality from Chevrolet, the Ecotec3 has about a half dozen significant issues with it. The key problem is carbon buildup which can cascade into fuel injective failure and affect fuel management.
Worse is that the sensors (especially for fuel level and AWD transfer case) can fail, so the driver doesn't even know they have problems until the car stops working. This requires constant upkeep and makes a vehicle boasting this engine a big risk for one of Chevy's worst modern engines.
5 Trust: Toyota 1UZ-FE
There's "reliable," and then there's an engine that can go over 300,000 miles without much problem. The Toyota 4.0l was overseen by Eiji Toyoda himself, who had nearly 5000 people working on this. Prototypes were driven anywhere from Saudi Arabia to Northern Europe to ensure it held up in any conditions.
Debuting with the LS400, the engine was a hit, with various revisions able to boost it to nearly 300 hp. But it's the reliability that makes it a classic with stunning longevity putting most other engines of any type to shame to make this one of Toyota's greatest efforts.
4 Want Nothing To Do With: Nissan 5.6-Liter Endurance
If ever an engine was misnamed, it was the Endurance. With Nissan's track record and 5.6 liters of power, the Endurance should be a top engine. Instead, it's known for overheating and after just a few years, fuel pumps and timing chains are prone to breaking and unable to handle the high street.
The 2021 Nissan Titan XD is the largest culprit as there's little truly enduring about this poor V8 that heats way too fast.
3 Trust: Chrysler 426 Hemi
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If there's a sign you've bought a good old Dodge or Plymouth, it's that it possesses a 426 Hemi. From powering Richard Petty to a Dayton win to just making any muscle car a classic, the 426 Hemi remains a gem among V8 aficionados.
Some tuning can turn it into a true powerhouse that's long-lasting, powerful and can rev a classic muscle car to amazing heights. It's little wonder this is one of the best Hemi engines ever made and as classic as a V8 can be.
2 Want Nothing To Do With: Oldsmobile V8 Diesel
Of all the mistakes Oldsmobile has made, the V8 Diesel engines of the late 1970s/early-80s might well be the worst. In a terrible cost-cutting move, Oldsmobile had their engines shifted to diesel power, thinking that would help the cars. They were very, very wrong in that regard.
The engines were far too large and unwieldy, leading to blown gaskets, breaking fuel pumps and rotten transmission. The fact they barely got over 100 horsepower was the topper as the entire Diesel era nearly ruined Oldsmobile.
1 Trust: Chevy Small Block 350
It almost never matters what year or exact type it is, the Chevy Small Block 350 is still one of the most respected and dependable on the market. Chevy poured their best workers into it, designing an engine that's not only powerful and robust but also easy to handle, nice to tune up and exceptionally reliable.
A well-maintained 350 can last longer than the car it's in and has limited need for upkeep. It's especially good for muscle cars, yet a regular one can handle this engine well, making the 350 the go-to for those who want a reliable V8.