How much horsepower does a 1969 Chevy 350 have?
There isn't a single horsepower figure for the 1969 Chevy 350. The engine's output varied by application and options, with base 2-barrel configurations around the mid-200 horsepower range and four-barrel/high-performance variants climbing toward 300 horsepower or more, depending on tune and car.
The Chevrolet 350 was a versatile small-block V8 used across a wide lineup in 1969—from base passenger cars to muscle cars and trucks—so horsepower wasn't fixed. This article explains typical ratings and how to identify the exact figure for your vehicle.
What affected the horsepower in 1969
Key factors that determined the engine's horsepower in 1969 included carburetion (2-barrel vs 4-barrel), compression ratio, cam profile, exhaust depth, and the application (base passenger car vs. performance model). In 1969, GM used gross horsepower ratings for performance labels, which were higher than later net ratings.
Common 1969 350 configurations and their typical ratings
Below are the most frequently seen 350 configurations in 1969 Chevrolets, with typical horsepower ranges observed in factory brochures and period tests.
- Base 350 with a two-barrel carburetor: roughly 195–255 horsepower (varies by model and year specifics).
- 350 with four-barrel carburetor and higher compression for performance models (e.g., Camaro SS 350, Chevelle SS 350): about 295–300 horsepower on the original gross rating.
- Sport or premium 350 engines in certain high-performance packages or with specific cam/different exhausts: horsepower could approach 300+ in some applications.
Given the broad spectrum of GM offerings in 1969, exact numbers for a specific car depend on the model and its factory options. Checking the build sheet, engine code, or period literature is the best way to confirm the precise horsepower rating for a given vehicle.
Identifying your 1969 350 engine and its rating
To verify the exact horsepower for a particular 1969 Chevy 350, locate the engine code stamping on the block, check the car's original build sheet (sales invoice or option list), or consult the VIN and RPO codes. The engine code (e.g., L48, L65, or other 350-series designations) corresponds to a specific configuration with a documented horsepower rating in Chevrolet literature from that year.
Notes on horsepower ratings then vs now
Horsepower ratings in 1969 were primarily “gross” ratings measured without standard accessories. Modern ratings use SAE net figures, which are lower because they include all accessories. This discrepancy can make direct comparisons with contemporary engines misleading; always refer to the era-specific rating when discussing a 1969 Chevy 350.
Summary
In 1969, the Chevrolet 350 small-block did not have a single horsepower figure. Base configurations were commonly listed around 195–255 horsepower, while four-barrel/high-performance variants commonly reached roughly 295–300 horsepower on the original gross ratings. The exact figure for a given car depends on model, options, and how the horsepower was rated. For precise numbers, consult the car’s build sheet, engine code, and period Chevrolet literature.
