Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet El Camino or the Chevrolet El Camino?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Chevrolet El Camino is cheaper to maintain — about $252 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 230ci I6 and the 305ci V8?

Across 22 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Chevrolet El Camino or Chevrolet El Camino?

The Chevrolet El Camino has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Chevrolet El Camino has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1970 Chevrolet El Camino vs 1987 Chevrolet El Camino

Specifications

Year

1970

1987

Engine

230ci I6

305ci V8

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

manual

automatic

Fuel

gas

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$6,241

0.10 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$6,493

0.11 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEChevrolet El Camino — Saves you $252 over 5 years (4% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.3 hrs$1,020 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$460 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.5 hrs$530 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

12V battery

0.3 hrs$245 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr

Coolant flush

1.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$230 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

2.5 hrs$140 / 5yr

5.5 hrs$275 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

3.5 hrs$226 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.6 hrs$170 / 5yr

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

4.2 hrs$170 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Alternator

1.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

0.8 hrs$105 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.2 hrs$96 / 5yr

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$110 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.2 hrs$76 / 5yr

Thermostat

1.0 hrs$67 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.3 hrs$65 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

— hrs

0.5 hrs$110 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

Chevrolet El Camino

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake0.75 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant13.00 qt · GM 1899-M

engine_oil4.00 qt · API SE or SF

power_steering2.00 qt · GM 1050017

rear_diff3.50 qt · API GL-5

transmission_manual3.00 qt · GM Type A Suffix A

washer1.00 qt · Windshield washer solvent

Chevrolet El Camino

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake0.50 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant16.00 qt · GM 1899-M or equivalent

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SF/SG

power_steering1.00 qt · GM 9985010 or Dexron II

rear_diff3.50 qt · API GL-5

transmission_auto10.00 qt · GM Dexron II

washer1.50 qt · Windshield washer fluid

The Verdict

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Across cost of ownership and recall count, neither vehicle pulls decisively ahead. Pick on personal preference — drivetrain, transmission feel, brand loyalty, or the engine that puts a smile on your face.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.