How much horsepower does a 1982 Chevy 350 have?
The 1982 Chevy 350 small‑block generally produced about 165 horsepower in most passenger applications, but the exact figure varied from roughly 150 to 205 horsepower depending on the model and equipment. In other words, there wasn’t a single number for all 1982 350 engines; output depended on where it was installed and how GM tuned it for emissions.
Context: Why the numbers vary in 1982
By 1982, General Motors and the industry were reporting SAE net horsepower, reflecting emissions controls and engine accessories. The same 350 cubic‑inch V8 could be tuned differently for cars, trucks, and performance variants, so the official horsepower rating differed based on configuration, intake (carbureted vs. fuel‑injected), and whether the model used a higher‑output version.
Common horsepower figures by application
Below are typical ranges observed across 1982 Chevrolet applications that used the 350 small‑block. The exact number for a given vehicle can vary by option package and market.
- Passenger cars (Caprice/Impala/Monte Carlo/Malibu, etc.): about 165 horsepower
- Performance‑oriented cars (Camaro, Firebird with the 5.0L V8): roughly 165–180 horsepower, depending on carburation and emissions equipment
- Corvette (high‑performance 350 variants): around 200 horsepower
- Trucks and large SUVs (C/K pickups and related models): typically 170–185 horsepower, shaped by drivetrain and emissions tuning
In short, the 350’s horsepower in 1982 spanned a broad range—most everyday cars sat in the mid‑hundreds of horsepower for that era, while V8s tuned for performance or for trucks could push toward the upper teens of horsepower. For an exact figure, you need the specific model, trim, and engine code.
How to verify the exact horsepower for your 1982 350
If you want to confirm the precise rating for a particular vehicle, use the following steps to identify the engine configuration and look up the official figures.
- Find the engine code on the block or in the emission/engine information tag under the hood.
- Check the RPO (Regular Production Option) codes on the glove box door, fender tag, or build sheet to confirm the exact 350 variant.
- Consult the Chevrolet service manual or GM heritage/records database for the corresponding horsepower rating associated with that code and year.
- Compare to the original window sticker or sales brochure if available for the vehicle’s specific configuration.
Knowing the engine code and model context will give you the precise horsepower figure for your 1982 Chevy 350, rather than relying on broad estimates.
Summary
In 1982, the Chevy 350’s horsepower varied by model and configuration, with most everyday passenger cars around 165 horsepower, higher outputs in performance variants near 200 horsepower, and trucks generally in the 170s. For an exact number, identify the engine code and consult official GM documentation or period literature. The key takeaway: the 350 was versatile enough to deliver a mid‑range horsepower footprint that shifted with emissions rules and intended use.
