How much horsepower does a 1972 Chevy C10 have?
There isn't a single horsepower figure for the 1972 Chevy C10; horsepower depended on the engine option. In general, most trucks of that year ranged roughly from about 150 to 210 horsepower, with inline-sixes lower and V8s higher, and ratings influenced by the shift to SAE net ratings and emissions controls.
The 1972 C10 lineup offered several engines, from a 250 cubic inch inline-six to small-block V8s like the 307 and 350, and in some configurations more powerful V8s were available in heavier models. The horsepower numbers you see on brochures reflect the era’s testing standards and the specific engine, exhaust, and emissions equipment. To know the exact horsepower for a particular truck, you must identify its engine and rating at the time.
Engine options and typical horsepower
Below is a guide to the engines most commonly found in 1972 C10 pickups and the typical horsepower ranges associated with them. These figures reflect the engine, emissions configuration, and the SAE rating systems in use at the time.
- 250 cubic inch inline-six (the base engine): roughly 150 horsepower in older gross ratings; in 1972, net horsepower would be somewhat lower (roughly 100–130 hp depending on emissions and accessories).
- 307 cubic inch small-block V8: typically around 200 horsepower in older gross rating; net figures on 1972-era docs usually fall roughly in the 150–180 hp range.
- 350 cubic inch small-block V8: commonly in the 180–210 horsepower range in gross terms; net ratings around 150–190 hp were common for 1972 trucks.
- 400 cubic inch V8 (found in some heavier trucks or options): generally higher output, with net ratings typically above 190 hp and often in the 230–260 hp range depending on configuration.
Conclusion for this list: The 1972 C10 did not have a single horsepower figure; it varied from about 150 hp for the inline-six to upwards of 210 hp for the upper-end V8s, with a higher ceiling in 400 cubic inch variants. To know the exact number for a specific truck, check the engine code, the window sticker, or the build sheet.
Understanding horsepower ratings for the 1972 model year
The horsepower numbers from 1972 reflect a transition period in the auto industry, with the switch from gross horsepower (older cars) to SAE net horsepower (more realistic, lower numbers) and the addition of emissions equipment that reduced measured power. In practice, a 1972 C10's speed and performance also depended on gearing, transmission, axle ratio, carburetion (carburetor vs. throttle body), and state of tune.
- Net horsepower ratings (SAE net) were used for many 1972 brochures, which are lower than the earlier gross numbers.
- Actual driveable performance can feel different from published horsepower alone, as torque, gearing, and weight also affect acceleration.
- When evaluating a specific truck, the best source is the original window sticker/build sheet or the engine code stamped on the engine block, which aligns with the option package installed.
Summary: The 1972 Chevy C10's horsepower varied by engine choice, with typical ranges broadly from about 150 hp for the inline-six up to roughly 190–210 hp for the common V8 options, and higher in some heavy-duty or larger-displacement variants. For exact horsepower, identify the engine and consult official documentation or the VIN/build sheet.
