How much horsepower does a 1985 Chevy 350 have?

There isn't a single horsepower figure for a 1985 Chevrolet 350 V8 because this engine was used across a wide range of models and configurations. In general, the 5.7-liter V8 produced roughly 165–190 horsepower in carbureted applications, about 190–210 hp with throttle-body injection, and around 230–245 hp in higher-performance, tuned-port injected variants such as Corvette models.

Understanding the 1985 350 V8: why horsepower varied

In 1985, Chevrolet deployed the 350 V8 in trucks, sedans, coupes, and sports cars, each with different fuel delivery systems and emissions controls. The same displacement could wear a carburetor or a variety of fuel-injection setups, and emissions-era tuning often affected peak horsepower. This is why a 1985 Chevy 350 isn’t tied to a single number.

Before listing the typical ranges, it helps to know that the exact horsepower a particular car produced depended on its trim, drivetrain, and the fuel system installed at the factory. The following overview captures the main configurations and their expected output.

• Carbureted 5.7L V8: commonly about 165–190 horsepower in trucks and many passenger cars.


• Throttle-body injected 5.7L V8: typically around 190–210 horsepower in mid-1980s models.


• Cross-Fire/early injected 5.7L V8 variants: generally in the 210–230 horsepower range.


• Tuned-Port Injected (TPI) 5.7L V8 in high-performance variants (e.g., Corvette and select performance trims): about 230–245 horsepower.

In practice, the exact horsepower for a 1985 Chevy 350 depends on the vehicle’s trim level, emissions equipment, and whether it used carburetion or a fuel-injection system. Checking the engine code and the vehicle’s original option sheet yields the precise figure.

Notable 1985 models and their typical output

These examples illustrate how the same 350 cubic inch engine could produce different power levels across popular 1985 Chevrolet models.

• Chevrolet C/K trucks and Suburban with carbureted 350 V8: roughly 165–190 hp.


• Chevrolet Camaros and other passenger cars with 5.7L V8: typically 190–230 hp depending on configuration.


• Chevrolet Corvette (with early fuel-injected 350s): about 230–245 hp in higher-performance variants.


• Chevrolet Caprice/Impala with 350 V8: approximately 180–210 hp.

These figures reflect the era’s broad approach to engine tuning under strict emissions regimes. For collectors or restorers, verifying the exact engine code (and option package) is essential to confirm the true horsepower specification.

Summary

The 1985 Chevy 350 V8 did not have a single, universal horsepower rating. Depending on model and fuel system—carbureted, throttle-body injected, Cross-Fire, or tuned-port injected—the engine output commonly ranged from the mid-160s to the mid-240s horsepower. When assessing a specific vehicle from that year, consult the engine code, build sheet, or factory documentation to determine the exact horsepower figure.

How much horsepower does a 1985 Chevy 305 have?

A 1985 Chevy 305 engine typically produced between 145 and 170 horsepower for the carbureted versions (like the LG4) and was rated higher in performance versions. However, the high-performance, 305 TPI (Tune-Port Injection) engine, introduced in 1985, could have around 190 to 215 horsepower. The exact horsepower varied depending on the specific engine RPO code and configuration, with the LG4 being the most common. 
You can watch this video to learn about the different horsepower ratings of the Chevy 305 engine: 54sRatMaroYouTube · Jan 17, 2023
Horsepower by configuration

• LG4 (Carbureted): This was the most common 305 in 1985.
  • Horsepower: 145 to 170 hp. 
• L69 (High Output): This high-performance version was available in specific models like the Camaro Z28 and IROC-Z. 
  • Horsepower: Around 190 hp. 
• LB9 (TPI): This was the new high-performance, fuel-injected engine. 
  • Horsepower: 190 to 215 hp. 

Key takeaways

• The 1985 Chevy 305 was available in different versions, each with varying horsepower ratings. 
• The most common versions, the LG4, were economy-focused with lower horsepower. 
• Performance versions like the L69 and the new LB9 TPI offered significantly more power. 
• The TPI engine was a key development that year, prioritizing torque at lower RPMs. 

This video shows the difference between the 305 and 350 Chevy engines: 52sMyvintageiron7512YouTube · Nov 22, 2016

How much HP does a stock 5.7 350 have?

The horsepower of a 5.7L 350 engine varies significantly, from approximately 140 to over 370 horsepower in factory stock versions, depending on the year, model, and application. With modern performance parts, builds can easily exceed 400 horsepower, and specialized configurations can produce even more.
 
Factory stock horsepower

• Lower end: Many 350s from the late 1970s and early 1980s, built to meet emissions standards, were rated around 145 to 175 horsepower.
• Higher end: Factory performance versions, such as those in muscle cars, could produce over 300 horsepower, with some peak ratings reaching up to 370 horsepower. 

Modern and custom builds

• Performance upgrades: A well-built 350 with performance upgrades can easily produce 350 to 400 horsepower on pump gas. 
• High-performance crate engines: Crate engines are available with a wide range of horsepower ratings. For example, a Chevrolet Performance crate engine is rated at 357 horsepower, while other high-performance kits are designed to produce 370 or more horsepower. 
• Extreme builds: With forced induction (like superchargers or turbochargers) or other modifications, a 350 can be built to produce 400 horsepower or significantly more. 

Factors that affect horsepower

• Camshaft: A higher-performance camshaft can significantly increase horsepower. 
• Cylinder heads: Performance cylinder heads with larger intake runners and higher flow rates are a major factor in boosting power. 
• Carburetion/fuel injection: The type of intake and carburetor or fuel injection system plays a large role. 
• Exhaust system: A free-flowing exhaust system can improve overall engine performance. 

What year is the best Chevy 350 engine?

The best Chevy 350 engine is often considered to be the 1996-2000 Vortec 5.7L due to its significant improvements in performance and efficiency. This version features Vortec cylinder heads for better airflow and the more durable hydraulic roller camshaft. While earlier models were simpler, later ones like the Vortec offered a stronger block design (880 casting), which is ideal for high-performance builds. 
This video explains the advantages of the Vortec 5.7L engine: 58sMyvintageiron7512YouTube · Mar 17, 2023
1996-2000 Vortec 5.7L 

• Vortec cylinder heads: Significantly improved airflow and combustion efficiency, leading to better performance and fuel economy. 
• Hydraulic roller camshaft: This provides greater durability and reduced wear on the valvetrain compared to older flat-tappet cams. 
• Stronger block: Blocks with the "880" casting number were used during this time and are built for roller cams, making them a great foundation for building a high-performance engine. 

Other notable years

• Early 1990s (with roller cam): These engines are also desirable because they came with a roller valvetrain, but some may lack a provision for a mechanical fuel pump. 
• 1970 LT-1: For those seeking raw, early-era power, the 1970 LT-1 version is a legendary, high-performance option with solid lifters and high compression. 
• 1986 and newer (one-piece rear main seal): Engines from 1986 and newer are equipped with a one-piece rear main seal, which is different from the two-piece seal found on older engines. This distinction is important when selecting a compatible flywheel or flexplate. 

How much horsepower does a 1985 350 have?

The 350 engine from 1980-85 typically produces around 145-165 horsepower, depending on configuration. Key identifiers include engine number 14010207 and head number 462624.