The firing order is carefully engineered to balance engine operation, minimize vibration, maximize power, and reduce crankshaft stress. While all V8 engines have eight cylinders, their firing orders differ depending on the manufacturer and engine family.
Using the correct firing order is essential when replacing spark plug wires, diagnosing misfires, rebuilding an engine, or setting ignition timing.
8 Cylinder Engine Firing Order
Chevrolet
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Block 265/283/305/307/327/350/400 | Camaro, C10, Silverado | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| LS1 | Corvette, Camaro | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 | Clockwise |
| LS2 | Corvette, GTO | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 | Clockwise |
| LS3 | Camaro SS, Corvette | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 | Clockwise |
| LS6 | Corvette Z06 | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 | Clockwise |
| LQ4 | Silverado HD, Suburban | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 | Clockwise |
| LQ9 | Cadillac Escalade, Silverado SS | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 | Clockwise |
| Big Block 396 | Chevelle SS | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| Big Block 427 | Corvette, Impala | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| Big Block 454 | C10, Chevelle | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
Related 6 Cylinder Engine Firing Order Chart(For All Car Models)
Ford
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 221 Windsor | Falcon | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 | Counterclockwise |
| 260 Windsor | Mustang | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 | Counterclockwise |
| 289 Windsor | Mustang | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 | Counterclockwise |
| 302 Windsor | F-150, Mustang | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 | Counterclockwise |
| 351 Windsor | Bronco, F-150 | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 | Counterclockwise |
| 351 Cleveland | Torino, Mustang | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 | Counterclockwise |
| 351M | F-Series | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 | Counterclockwise |
| 400M | F-Series | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 | Counterclockwise |
| FE 352 | Galaxie | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 | Counterclockwise |
| FE 390 | F-100 | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 | Counterclockwise |
| FE 427 | Fairlane | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 | Counterclockwise |
| FE 428 Cobra Jet | Mustang | 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 | Counterclockwise |
| 4.6L Modular SOHC | Crown Victoria | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 4.6L Modular DOHC | Mustang Cobra | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 5.4L Triton | Expedition, F-150 | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 5.0L Coyote | Mustang GT, F-150 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Related 4 Cylinder Engine Firing Order Chart(For All Automotive)
Chrysler / Dodge / Ram
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA 273 | Dart | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| LA 318 | Ram, Charger | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| LA 340 | Challenger | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| LA 360 | Ram | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| Magnum 5.2L | Dakota | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| Magnum 5.9L | Ram 1500 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| 5.7L HEMI | Charger, Ram | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 6.1L HEMI | Challenger SRT8 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 6.2L Supercharged HEMI | Hellcat | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 6.4L HEMI (Apache) | Scat Pack | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Related How to Fix a Misfiring Engine(6 Causes + Solutions)
Pontiac
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 326 | Tempest | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 350 | Firebird | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 389 | GTO | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 400 | Firebird Trans Am | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 421 | Bonneville | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 428 | Grand Prix | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 455 | GTO | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
Oldsmobile
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 260 | Cutlass | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 307 | Cutlass Supreme | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 330 | Delta 88 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 350 Rocket | Cutlass, 98 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 403 | Trans Am | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 425 | Ninety-Eight | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 455 | Toronado | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
Related How Tight Are Diesel Engine Valves(Correct Range)
Buick
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | Skylark | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 340 | GS 340 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 350 | Riviera | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 400 Nailhead | Wildcat | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 430 | Electra | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
| 455 | Riviera GS | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Counterclockwise |
Cadillac
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 429 | DeVille | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 | Counterclockwise |
| 472 | Eldorado | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 | Counterclockwise |
| 500 | Fleetwood | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 | Counterclockwise |
| Northstar 4.6L | DeVille, Seville | 1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8 | Coil-on-Plug |
Related Do Diesel Engines Have Spark Plugs(Diesel Ignition Explained)
AMC / Jeep
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 290 | Javelin | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| 304 | Jeep CJ | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| 343 | Ambassador | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| 360 | Wagoneer | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| 390 | AMX | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
| 401 | Jeep Cherokee | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Clockwise |
Toyota / Lexus
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1UZ-FE | Lexus LS400 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 2UZ-FE | Land Cruiser, Tundra | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 3UZ-FE | Lexus LS430 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 1UR-FE | Lexus GX460 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 2UR-GSE | Lexus IS F, RC F | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 2UR-GSE Supercharged | Lexus LC 500 (modified) | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Related What Causes Backfire Through Carburetor(10 Causes + Solutions)
Nissan / Infiniti
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| VK45DE | Infiniti Q45 | 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| VK45DD | Nissan Cima | 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| VK50VE | Infiniti FX50 | 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| VK56DE | Titan, Armada | 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| VK56VD | Nissan Patrol, Titan XD | 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Mercedes-Benz
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M113 4.3L/5.0L | E430, S500 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| M113K Supercharged | E55 AMG, SL55 AMG | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| M273 5.5L | S550, E550 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| M156 6.2L AMG | C63 AMG, E63 AMG | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| M278 4.7L Twin Turbo | CLS550, GL550 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| M177/M178 4.0L Biturbo | AMG GT, C63 AMG | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Related Small Engine Valve Clearance Chart(for All Brands + Models)
BMW
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M60B30 | 530i, 730i | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| M60B40 | 540i, 740i | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| M62B44 | 540i, X5 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| N62B44 | 545i, 645Ci | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| N63 4.4L Twin Turbo | 550i, 750i | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| S63 Twin Turbo | M5, M8, X5 M | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Audi
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L V8 32V | A6, A8 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 4.2L FSI | RS4, R8 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 4.0L TFSI | S6, S7 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 4.0L TFSI Performance | RS6, RS7 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 5.2L V10 (shares V8 bank layout) | R8 V10 | 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9 | Coil-on-Plug |
Volkswagen
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L V8 ABZ | Passat, A8 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 4.2L AXQ | Touareg | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 4.2L BFM | Phaeton | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 4.0L EA825 | Touareg | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Jaguar
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJ26 4.0L | XK8, XJ8 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| AJ27 4.0L | S-Type, XJ8 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| AJ34 4.2L | XK, XJ | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| AJ133 5.0L | F-Type, XJ | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| AJ133 Supercharged | F-Type R, XFR | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Land Rover
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L AJ41 | Range Rover | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 5.0L AJ133 | Range Rover Sport | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 5.0L Supercharged | Defender, Discovery | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Volvo
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B8444S 4.4L V8 | XC90 V8, S80 V8 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Hyundai
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tau 4.6L | Genesis, Equus | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| Tau 5.0L GDI | Genesis G90, K900 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Kia
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tau 4.6L V8 | Kia Borrego (limited markets) | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| Tau 5.0L V8 | K900 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
Ferrari
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F136 E | F430 | 1-5-3-7-4-8-2-6 | Coil-on-Plug |
| F136 FB | California | 1-5-3-7-4-8-2-6 | Coil-on-Plug |
| F154 Twin Turbo V8 | 488 GTB, F8 Tributo | 1-5-3-7-4-8-2-6 | Coil-on-Plug |
| F154 CD | SF90 Stradale | 1-5-3-7-4-8-2-6 | Coil-on-Plug |
Maserati
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F136 U | Quattroporte | 1-5-3-7-4-8-2-6 | Coil-on-Plug |
| F154 Twin Turbo | Ghibli Trofeo, Levante Trofeo | 1-5-3-7-4-8-2-6 | Coil-on-Plug |
Lexus LC / Toyota Performance
| Engine Family | Common Vehicles | Firing Order | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2UR-GSE 5.0L | Lexus LC 500 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 2UR-GSE 5.0L | Lexus RC F | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
| 2UR-GSE 5.0L | Lexus GS F | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Coil-on-Plug |
What Is an Engine Firing Order?
The firing order is the exact sequence in which each cylinder fires during the engine’s four-stroke combustion cycle. Every cylinder completes four stages:
- Intake
- Compression
- Power
- Exhaust
Only one cylinder fires at a time, and the firing order determines which cylinder ignites next.
Engine manufacturers carefully design this sequence to ensure:
- Smooth engine operation
- Reduced crankshaft vibration
- Better balance
- Improved power delivery
- Longer engine life
Why Different V8 Engines Have Different Firing Orders
Although all V8 engines contain eight cylinders, internal design differences influence the ideal firing order. Factors include:
- Crankshaft design
- Camshaft configuration
- Cylinder bank arrangement
- Intake manifold design
- Exhaust tuning
- Engine balance
For example:
- Traditional Chevrolet small-block engines use 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
- Chevrolet LS engines changed to 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 to improve airflow and reduce crankshaft harmonics.
- Ford’s modern Modular and Coyote engines use different firing orders than earlier Windsor V8s to optimize performance and emissions.
Why the Firing Order Matters
Using the wrong firing order can lead to serious engine problems. Proper ignition sequencing ensures:
- Smooth idle
- Maximum horsepower
- Better fuel economy
- Reduced emissions
- Lower engine vibration
Incorrect spark plug wire placement may cause:
- Engine misfires
- Backfiring
- Rough idle
- Poor acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption
- Failure to start
- Potential catalytic converter damage
How to Find Cylinder Numbers
Cylinder numbering varies by manufacturer.
Chevrolet Small Block
Driver Side
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
Passenger Side
- 2
- 4
- 6
- 8
Ford Small Block
Passenger Side
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Driver Side
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Chrysler HEMI
Passenger Side
- 2
- 4
- 6
- 8
Driver Side
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
Always verify cylinder numbering using your vehicle’s service manual before installing ignition components.
Distributor Rotation
Older distributor-equipped V8 engines also require the correct distributor rotation.
Most common rotations include:
- Clockwise – Chevrolet, Chrysler LA, AMC
- Counterclockwise – Ford Windsor, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile
Modern engines equipped with coil-on-plug (COP) ignition systems no longer use a distributor, but the engine control module still follows the programmed firing order.
Common Symptoms of an Incorrect Firing Order
If the firing order or spark plug wire routing is incorrect, you may notice:
- Rough idle
- Engine shaking
- Misfire trouble codes
- Popping through the intake
- Exhaust backfires
- Poor fuel economy
- Loss of power
- Hard starting or no-start condition
- Check Engine Light illumination
Correcting the firing order typically restores smooth engine performance.
Tips for Replacing Spark Plug Wires
When servicing a distributor-equipped V8 engine:
- Replace one spark plug wire at a time.
- Verify cylinder numbering before removal.
- Match each wire to the correct distributor terminal.
- Inspect distributor cap terminals for corrosion or wear.
- Replace worn spark plugs and ignition wires together when possible.
- Double-check the firing order before starting the engine.
These simple steps help prevent installation errors and ensure reliable ignition performance.
FAQs
What is the most common V8 firing order?
The most widely used V8 firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, found on many Chevrolet, Chrysler, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, AMC, Toyota, and HEMI engines.
Why do LS engines have a different firing order?
Chevrolet LS engines use 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3, which improves engine balance, crankshaft loading, and airflow compared to earlier small-block designs.
Can the wrong firing order damage an engine?
Yes. An incorrect firing order can cause severe misfires, backfiring, poor performance, catalytic converter damage, and, in extreme cases, internal engine damage if left uncorrected.
Do modern V8 engines still have a firing order?
Yes. Even engines with distributorless or coil-on-plug ignition systems follow a specific firing order programmed into the engine control module (ECM).
Final words
Understanding the 8-cylinder engine firing order chart is essential for anyone performing tune-ups, diagnosing ignition problems, or rebuilding a V8 engine. Although many engines share the classic 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 sequence, manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, and Cadillac use different firing orders for specific engine families. Always confirm the firing order and cylinder numbering for your exact engine before replacing spark plugs, ignition coils, or spark plug wires to ensure smooth operation, maximum performance, and long engine life.
