How much horsepower does a 1969 350 SBC have?
The baseline horsepower for the 1969 350 cubic inch small-block was 255 horsepower. In the Corvette lineup, the high-performance LT-1 variant raised that figure to 370 horsepower. In short, 255 hp was typical for the standard 350, while select high-performance versions delivered significantly more.
Context: the 1969 350 SBC lineup
In 1969, Chevrolet offered the 350 small-block V8 across a wide range of models. The power output depended on the specific configuration and vehicle. The most common baseline rating for the standard 350 was 255 horsepower (gross), while certain performance-oriented variants pushed output higher, with the Corvette LT-1 standing out at 370 horsepower.
Base 350 small-block horsepower
Across many 1969 models, the standard 350 engine used in Chevrolets and light trucks carried a 255 horsepower rating (gross). This form of the engine was widely deployed in a variety of body styles, delivering solid performance for everyday driving and hot-rod ambitions alike.
Models and applications that commonly used the base 350 engine included:
- Chevrolet passenger cars and light trucks equipped with the 350 V8 (base configuration)
- Popular intermediates such as Chevelle, Nova, and related models (where available with the 350 V8)
In these applications, the 350 produced about 255 hp (gross) with torque typically in the 350–360 lb-ft range, depending on the exact configuration and carburetion.
High-performance variant: Corvette LT-1 350
Among the notable 350-powered variants in 1969 was the Corvette LT-1, a dedicated performance package that dramatically increased output. The LT-1 350 in 1969 was rated at 370 horsepower (gross), reflecting its specialized cam, tuning, and components designed for high-performance driving.
- Corvette LT-1 (1969): 370 horsepower (gross)
This variant illustrates the range within the 1969 350 lineup: while the standard 350 commonly delivered 255 hp, the LT-1 option pushed the displacement to much higher performance territory in a production car.
Understanding horsepower ratings then vs. now
It's important to note that 1969 horsepower figures were typically published as gross horsepower, measured with the engine removed from the car and tested under ideal laboratory conditions. Later decades shifted to net horsepower, which accounts for accessories, exhaust, and other real-world parasitic losses. As a result, modern ratings often appear lower than the 1960s gross numbers for the same engine.
Summary of key numbers for the 1969 350 SBC
- Base 350 small-block: approximately 255 horsepower (gross) in 1969, with torque around the mid-300s lb-ft
- Corvette LT-1 350: 370 horsepower (gross) in 1969
Bottom line: the 1969 350 cubic-inch small-block ranged from a standard 255 hp in its common form to a far higher output in the Corvette LT-1 package, illustrating Chevrolet’s broad use of the same displacement for both everyday driving and serious performance.
Final takeaway
For most 1969 applications, the Chevrolet 350 small-block delivered 255 horsepower, while the high-performance Corvette LT-1 variant offered 370 horsepower. When evaluating a specific car, the exact figure depends on the model, trim, and whether the engine carried the base configuration or a performance-oriented package.
