The 2023 Chevy Silverado has full-size brawn and classic style. From its strong stance to its fully boxed frame, this American pickup is both capable and cool. But most Silverado trims are missing one essential element: a V8 engine.

Of course, an eight-cylinder isn’t mandatory. But on an American pickup, it brings unique personality and burly horsepower. So, how much does it cost to add a V8 engine to a new Silverado? Let’s find out.

2023 Chevy Silverado engines: high-tech vs. old school

On the most affordable 2023 Silverado trims, buyers can add a small block 5.3-liter V8 for a reasonable $1,940. The fifth-gen L83 V8 makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It features modern tech like all-aluminum construction, cylinder deactivation, and variable valve timing. Fuel economy is 16/20 mpg city/highway on most 4WD models.

The 5.3-liter V8 is more of an old-school design compared to the turbo 2.7-liter four. But on a full-size American pickup, it adds personality and fun. There’s just nothing like the sound of a V8-powered pickup cruising the boulevard. On the other hand, fuel economy around town isn’t the best. For Silverado buyers on a budget, the base engine could be the better pick.

Chevrolet is known for its small-block V8 engines. Packing substantial power into a small package, Chevy V8s have powered everything from Corvettes to full-size work trucks. But on the newest Silverado, Chevy went high-tech, introducing a standard turbocharged four-cylinder. While the turbo four has plenty of power, traditional pickup buyers may yearn for an eight-cylinder.

The standard engine on most Silverados is a turbo 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder. While that might seem small for a big truck, the compact powerplant makes a stout 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. That nets gas mileage of 18/21 mpg city/highway on some 4WD models, according to Chevrolet.

While the turbo mill doesn’t have the deep sound or elevated horsepower of a V8, it does have excellent torque and good gas mileage. Drivers who value technology could find the turbo a more appealing pick.

2023 Chevy Silverado: V8 power for $40k

Full-size pickups are some of the most popular vehicles on the road. From the Ford F-150 to the Chevrolet Silverado, big American trucks are big sellers. But they can also cost a lot of money, with top-end trims going for luxury car prices. That’s why a $40k Silverado with a V8 is a nice deal.

The 2023 Chevy Silverado WT regular cab with a V8, 2WD, and a long bed costs $40,335 (plus destination). Though it’s a basic build, it’s a classic setup, with no-frills features and a rumbling eight-cylinder.

And moving through higher-end trims shows what a good value it is. For example, a 2WD Silverado LT double cab with a standard bed and V8 is $51,440 (plus destination). Or, the off-road-focused Silverado Trail Boss with 4WD, crew cab, a short bed, and a V8 is a substantial $62,260 (plus destination). And as the trims go higher, so do the prices, topping out at around $70k.

The Chevy Silverado is one of the finest full-size trucks on the road. But while its standard turbo four-cylinder is plenty capable, many buyers could want a traditional V8. Thankfully, that costs a fair $1,940 on the most affordable model, giving buyers an eight-cylinder truck for around $40k. If it were us, we’d go for the V8, for its sound and horsepower.