How much horsepower does a 1976 Corvette have?
In 1976, the Corvette’s horsepower depended on the installed 350 cubic inch V8: the base L48 engine produced 165 horsepower, while the optional L82 high-output version produced 210 horsepower, using SAE net ratings common at the time.
During the model year, emissions controls and the industry shift to SAE net ratings reduced advertised figures from earlier gross horsepower numbers. The Corvette lineup for 1976 consisted primarily of small-block 350 engines, with two main horsepower levels: 165 hp for the L48 and 210 hp for the L82. These ratings reflect the period’s standards and can vary slightly with configuration and testing conditions.
Engine options and horsepower
The following bullets summarize the horsepower ratings for the 1976 Corvette’s engine options:
- L48 350 cubic inches V8 — 165 horsepower (SAE net)
- L82 350 cubic inches V8 — 210 horsepower (SAE net)
In short, the 1976 Corvette offered a base 165 horsepower engine and an optional higher-output 210 horsepower upgrade, both using the era’s net horsepower ratings. Transmission choices did not change the engine’s horsepower rating, though they could influence overall performance.
Summary
The 1976 Corvette’s horsepower centered on two 350 cu in V8 options: 165 hp for the base L48 and 210 hp for the optional L82, both measured as SAE net horsepower. This reflects the era’s emission controls and rating standards, with performance differences mainly driven by the engine choice.
