1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo supper sport Coupe (2 door)

I answered my question. From MontecarloSS.com:

Q: Did the SS ever come with a factory 350 engine?

* No. The only engine available for the 4th Generation Monte Carlo SS was the L69 HO 305ci V8. There was no option to get a 350 or any other engine from the factory in the United States.
* The 8th digit of the VIN number, which indicates engine type (L69, HO 305ci V8), must be a 'G' for 1984 through 1988 SSs, and '7' for 1983 SSs.
* Some dealers installed 350 engines after the SS was delivered from the factory. These are considered dealer options and not considered stock. This seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Very very few have been reported.
* If someone tries to tell you they have a factory installed 350 in their SS, don't believe them. It just didn't happen. The only possiblity is a dealer installed option engine, which is highly unlikely. Have them provide extensive documentation of its originality. Don't rely on a window sticker as they can be faked very easily. A GM crate engine can look very much like a factory installed, but is still a replacement engine. A more likely scenario is that they, or another previous owner had the engine installed in place of the original L69 305.
* The Mexican version of the Monte Carlo SS, available in 1984 only, did have a 350 engine and a 4 speed manual transmission. These were available in Mexico only and do not carry standard VIN numbers like the American version. Go here for details on the Mexican Monte Carlo SS.



Those Mexico City '84 Monte SS with 350 4 speeds sound cool!


-- Edited by 69Laurentian on Sunday 23rd of May 2010 12:12:23 PM

While it is true no 350's for SS, I don't know what a 350 would do for the car anyway. The L-69 is regarded as one of the 10 best performance engines made by Chevrolet.

I had a guy tell me about his rare 76 Corvette that came from the factory with a 400 SBC that he claimed would beat any 454's. When I asked to see it he said he just sold it....,as usual.