How much horsepower does a 1968 Chevy C10 have?

In 1968, the horsepower of a Chevy C10 varied widely depending on which engine it left the showroom with. The base inline-six was roughly 150 horsepower, while the V8 options ranged from about 195 up to around 300 horsepower, depending on carburetion and configuration.

Engine options and horsepower

The 1968 Chevy C10 offered several engine choices. The following list highlights the common power outputs for those engine options, using the SAE gross ratings typical of that era.

• 250 cu in inline-six: approximately 150–155 hp gross


• 283 cu in V8: approximately 195–200 hp gross


• 327 cu in V8: typically 250–270 hp gross (varying with carburetion and cam)


• 350 cu in V8: typically 255–300 hp gross (higher-performance configurations near 300 hp)

Note: Some pickups with performance-oriented or heavy-duty packages could show slight variations in output. These figures reflect SAE gross horsepower from the period and do not account for drivetrain losses in daily use.

How to interpret these numbers

During 1968, Chevrolet—and most manufacturers—rated engine power using SAE gross horsepower, which tends to be higher than modern net ratings. The actual power at the wheels depends on the transmission, drivetrain, payload, and overall condition of the truck. For collectors or restorers, the exact figure is best confirmed through the vehicle’s build sheet or VIN/engine code documentation.

Additional context

Between the inline-six and the various V8 options, the C10 offered a broad spectrum of performance. The inline-six provided reliable, economical operation, while the V8 options delivered substantially stronger acceleration and towing capability, with the 350 small-block offering the most horsepower in the lineup under typical factory configurations.

Summary

The 1968 Chevy C10’s horsepower ranged from about 150 hp with the 250 inline-six to roughly 300 hp with the high-end 350 V8, with intermediate figures for the 283 and 327 V8s. Exact horsepower depends on the engine option, carburation, and other factory specs, and verified build documentation is the best way to determine the specific output for a given truck.

How much is a 1968 Chevy C10 worth today?

A 1968 Chevy C10's worth varies significantly based on condition, from an average price of around $16,417 to over $92,995 for modified or exceptional examples, according to Hagerty and Classic.com. Factors like the state of the engine and transmission, originality, and any custom work (restomods) all greatly influence the final price.
 
Factors that influence the price

• Condition: A well-maintained or restored C10 will command a much higher price than one in poor condition. 
• Originality vs. Modifications:
  • Original: Trucks that retain their original parts, especially the drivetrain, can be valuable to collectors who prefer factory condition. 
  • Modified: "Restomods" with modern engines, transmissions, or other upgrades can be highly sought after, but their value is subjective and depends on the quality of the build. 
• Specifics:
  • Engine: The original engine (like the 250 six-cylinder or 283/307/327 V8) can affect the value. 
  • Transmission: The original three-speed manual, or optional Powerglide, Turbo-Hydramatic 350, or 400, will have an impact. 
  • Body Style: Factors like short bed vs. long bed or Fleetside vs. Stepside also play a role. 

Price examples

• Average condition: Expect to pay around $16,417 for a good condition truck with average specs, notes Hagerty. 
• Modified or custom: Prices can range from the low $40,000s to well over $90,000 for highly customized or rare examples, as seen in listings on eBay and Classic.com. 
• Exceptional examples: Rarity, exceptional restoration quality, and desirable features can push the price to $100,000 or even higher at auction. 

What was the specs of the Chevy 350 engine in 1968?

Like the 302, it was based on the 327 block, but the 350 had an all-new crankshaft with a 3.48-inch stroke. The first version, dubbed the L-48, produced 295 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The 350 became available in the Nova in 1968, and in its third year was optional across the Chevrolet passenger car line.

How much horsepower does a 1968 327 have?

The query likely refers to a 1968 car with a Chevrolet 327-cubic-inch V8 engine, which was offered in a wide range of horsepower options, from a base 210 hp to a high-performance 375 hp version. For example, a base 1968 Camaro with a 327 engine had 210 horsepower, while a standard 1968 Corvette came with a 300-hp 327 V8. 
You can watch this video to see a 1968 Corvette with a 350 horsepower 327 engine: 45sChris GersmanYouTube · Apr 12, 2023

• Horsepower range: The 327 engine in 1968 vehicles was available in various states of tune, from a lower-output version producing 210 hp to higher-performance variants reaching up to 375 hp. 
• 1968 Camaro: A base 1968 Camaro with a 327 engine had 210 hp. 
• 1968 Corvette: A standard 1968 Corvette came with a 300-hp 327 V8. 
• High-performance versions: High-performance versions of the 327 could produce significantly more power. For example, a fuel-injected 327 was rated at 375 hp. 
• Other vehicles: The 327 was also used in other vehicles like the Holden HK Monaro GTS327 in Australia, which used a 327 engine adapted from GMH for its muscle car. 

How much horsepower does a C10 engine have?

A C10's horsepower can range from a stock 135-200 hp to custom builds reaching over 1,300 hp. Standard engines in early models were 6-cylinders or V8s, while many custom builds now use modern V8s like the GM LSX or Ford's Godzilla engine, which are often supercharged or twin-turbocharged to produce extreme horsepower.
 
This video shows a powerful Chevy C10 with 1,300 horsepower: 33sAutotopia LAYouTube · Jul 23, 2025
Stock C10 horsepower

• Standard engine: A 236 cubic-inch inline-6 engine produced about 135 horsepower. 
• Optional engine: A 283 cubic-inch V8 was available and offered around 160 horsepower. 
• Later models: Some factory engines produced around 200 horsepower, such as the 307 cubic-inch V8. 

Custom C10 horsepower

• LSX-powered builds: A tall-deck LSX engine can deliver around 700 horsepower. 
• Supercharged builds: Some builds with a supercharger can produce over 1,200 horsepower. 
• Twin-turbocharged builds: Custom C10s with twin-turbo V8s can achieve 1,300 horsepower or more. 

This video shows a dyno test of a 472.5 horsepower C10: 52sLate Model Restoration (LMR)YouTube · Oct 5, 2025
Factors that determine horsepower

• Engine type: Modern engine swaps like LSX or Godzilla can produce significantly more power than original engines. 
• Forced induction: Adding a turbocharger or supercharger can drastically increase horsepower. 
• Modifications: Other modifications, such as cylinder heads, fuel injection, and exhaust systems, also play a role in power output.