How much horsepower does a 1975 Chevy 350 have?
In 1975, the Chevy 350 V8 typically produced about 165 SAE net horsepower in the common four-barrel configurations, with lower figures for two-barrel setups. The exact number depended on model, emissions controls, and tuning. These ratings reflect the SAE net standard used after 1971 and varied across different body styles and markets.
The phrase “1975 Chevy 350” covers a family of 5.7-liter V8s used across Chevelle, Monte Carlo, Camaro, Nova, Caprice, and Corvette lines. Because Chevrolet offered several carburetion and emission setups in that year, a single number does not apply to every application.
Overview of the 350 Small-Block in 1975
The Chevrolet 350 cubic inch V8 (5.7 L) served as the workhorse of the lineup in 1975. Most passenger-car versions used a four-barrel carburetor and carried around 165 horsepower (SAE net), while the basic two-barrel versions were typically around 145 horsepower. Emissions and California-spec engines often produced slightly different numbers, generally trending toward the lower end of the range.
Typical horsepower figures by configuration
Here are the most common figures encountered for 1975 models, noting that exact output varied by model, market, and production changes during the year.
- Two-barrel (lower-output) configuration: about 145 SAE net horsepower
- Four-barrel (standard-output) configuration: about 165 SAE net horsepower
- California-emissions versions: typically around 150–165 SAE net horsepower
In practice, the precise horsepower of a particular 1975 Chevy 350 depends on several variables, including compression ratio, cam profile, exhaust setup, and the exact emissions calibration used for a given model and plant.
Other factors that affected horsepower in 1975
Beyond carburetion, several non-engine-control factors shaped the horsepower numbers seen in the field. The following list highlights the main influences in 1975 Chevys.
- Compression ratio: different 350s used different compression levels, affecting peak output.
- Camshaft and valvetrain: variations in cam profiles influenced horsepower and torque curves.
- Emissions equipment: EGR, PCV, and catalytic systems could dampen peak horsepower.
- Intake and exhaust tuning: intake manifolds and exhaust manifolds varied by model to suit packaging and emissions.
Because of these variables, owners and collectors should verify the exact rating for a specific vehicle using the data plate, service manual, or Chevrolet documentation for that model year and market.
How to verify horsepower on a specific 1975 Chevy
To determine the exact horsepower for a particular 1975 Chevy 350, start with the vehicle’s data tag or build sheet, which lists the engine code and option packages. Then cross-reference the engine code with Chevrolet literature from the period, or consult restoration guides for the exact rating. For historical cars, SAE net horsepower is the standard; some marketing materials from the era might list gross horsepower, which is not directly comparable to the net figures used on the road in 1975.
Notes for enthusiasts
Some high-performance applications within the 1975 lineup (rare SS or special-order packages) could carry different numbers, but the bulk of consumer Chevys used the 145–165 hp range described above.
Summary
The 1975 Chevrolet 350 generally delivered about 165 SAE net horsepower in most four-barrel configurations, with two-barrel versions around 145 hp and California/emissions variants typically mid-150s to mid-160s. Exact output depends on model, market, and calibration. For a precise figure, check the engine code or data plate on the specific vehicle and consult period Chevrolet documentation.
