* Small-block V8s: Typically a 5.0L (305 cubic inch) V8 was the standard engine. A 5.7L (350 cubic inch) V8 was also a possibility, though less common.
To know for sure what engine *your* specific 1984 El Camino SS has, you'll need to check:
* The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Decoding the VIN will reveal the exact engine code.
* The Engine Block: The engine block itself will usually have a casting number which can be used to identify the engine size.
* The Owner's Manual (if you have it): This will specify the engine installed in your vehicle.
Without more information about a specific vehicle, it's impossible to say definitively.