Which engine has the firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2?

The firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 is used by many American cross-plane V8 engines—most notably the classic Chevrolet small-block and big-block V8s—and is also common across numerous Mopar (Chrysler) V8s and many Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac V8s. It’s not unique to a single engine family, but rather a widely adopted sequence in traditional pushrod V8 design.

Why this firing order shows up so often

For decades, American manufacturers standardized on 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 because it balances crankshaft torsional loads and smooths the firing impulses on cross-plane V8 cranks, aiding drivability and durability. The sequence helps minimize consecutive firings in adjacent cylinders on the same bank, reducing vibration and improving smoothness—especially important in large-displacement, low-to-mid RPM engines typical of classic American V8s.

Engines that use 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

The following list highlights prominent engine families and displacements that use this firing order. While not exhaustive, it covers the most widely encountered examples in North American vehicles across several decades.

• Chevrolet small-block V8s: 262, 265, 283, 302 (Z/28), 305, 307, 327, 350, 400 (Gen I)
• Chevrolet big-block V8s (Mark IV/Gen V/Gen VI): 366, 396/402, 427, 454, 502
• Pontiac V8s: most traditional Pontiac engines from 287 to 455
• Oldsmobile V8s: 307, 330, 350, 400, 403, 425, 455
• Buick V8s: 300, 340, 350, 400, 430, 455
• Mopar/Chrysler V8s: most LA small-blocks (273, 318, 340, 360), many B/RB big-blocks (361, 383, 400, 413, 426 Wedge, 440), and the 426 Hemi

Taken together, these engines account for the majority of classic American V8s found in muscle cars, trucks, and full-size sedans from the mid-20th century through the 1990s.

Engines that do not use 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Not all V8s follow this pattern. Some manufacturers altered the sequence to address intake reversion, crankshaft harmonics, emissions, or performance characteristics, especially as designs evolved.

• Ford Windsor V8s: early 260/289/302 used 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8; the 351W and later 5.0L High Output (HO) adopted 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
• GM Gen III/IV “LS” V8s: commonly 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
• Many modern DOHC and performance V8s (various brands): use manufacturer-specific sequences optimized for their architectures

If your engine is a late-model Ford modular V8, a GM LS-series, or a European/Japanese DOHC V8, it likely has a different firing order than 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

How to confirm it for your specific engine

Firing order must be applied using the manufacturer’s cylinder numbering and distributor rotation (if equipped). Those conventions differ by brand, and getting them wrong can cause misfire and backfire issues.

Cylinder numbering and rotation basics

Chevrolet small-block and big-block engines typically number the left (driver) bank 1-3-5-7 and the right (passenger) bank 2-4-6-8, with the distributor rotating clockwise. Ford and other makes use different numbering schemes and, in some cases, different distributor rotation. Always verify the numbering diagram and rotation for your exact engine.

Quick identification tips

To be certain, check the factory service manual or an OEM service database for your engine code (VIN or RPO). Under-hood emissions/tune-up decals, casting numbers on the block, and reputable manufacturer literature will list the correct firing order and cylinder numbering for your specific model year and variant.

Bottom line

The firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 is the long-standing standard for many traditional American V8s—especially Chevrolet small-blocks and big-blocks—and is shared by numerous Mopar and B/O/P engines. However, several major families, including Ford Windsor variants and GM’s LS-series, use different sequences, so always verify against the exact engine you’re working with.

Summary

Firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 is common across classic American cross-plane V8s, led by Chevy SBC/BBC and many Chrysler, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac engines. It is not universal: Ford Windsor and modern GM LS engines, among others, use different orders. Confirm with the correct cylinder numbering and distributor rotation for your specific engine before applying.

What does 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 mean?

The sequence “1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2” represents the firing order for many V8 engines. Specifically, it’s a common firing order for older V8 engines, particularly those from GM (like Chevy), Mopar, and some Ford models. This sequence dictates the order in which the cylinders ignite, ensuring smooth and efficient combustion. 
Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• What is firing order? In a four-stroke engine, each cylinder goes through intake, compression, combustion (power), and exhaust cycles. The firing order is the sequence in which the cylinders ignite to produce a power stroke. 
• Why is it important? A proper firing order is crucial for engine balance and smooth operation. It helps minimize vibrations and ensures efficient power delivery. 
• How does it relate to the numbers? The numbers (1, 8, 4, 3, 6, 5, 7, 2) represent the order in which the spark plugs fire in the cylinders of an 8-cylinder engine. For example, cylinder #1 fires first, then cylinder #8, then cylinder #4, and so on. 
• Companion cylinders: Cylinders in a V8 engine often fire in pairs, with their pistons reaching top dead center at the same time but on different strokes (one on compression, the other on exhaust). The pairs for this firing order are 1/6, 8/5, 4/7, and 3/2. 

What is the firing order of a Ford 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8?

The Ford 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 and GM 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 firing orders are identical, they just use different cylinder numbering systems. The alternative Ford 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 and the alternative GM 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 are also identical.

What engine has firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2?

Pontiac (most 1955-81 V8 engines): Counter-clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 (Note: 307 Pontiac V8 engine rotates clockwise)

What is the firing order of a LS engine?

The standard LS engine firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. This sequence is an intentional modification from older Chevy small-block engines (1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2), with a 4/7 and 2/3 cylinder swap that improves crankshaft balance, reduces torsional vibration, and offers better engine harmonics and smoother operation. 
Understanding the LS Firing Order 

• 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 : This is the complete cycle for an LS engine.
• Purpose: The swap of cylinders 4 and 7, and 3 and 2, from the older standard order, results in better load distribution across the crankshaft bearings and reduces stress on the engine components.

How it Differs from Older Engines

• Older Chevy Small Blocks: Used the firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. 
• LS Engines: Incorporate the 4/7 and 2/3 swap to create the improved 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 sequence, giving the LS series its characteristic smooth operation and balanced power delivery.