How much horsepower does a 1987 Chevy truck have?
The horsepower depended on the engine; full-size C/K trucks offered about 165 hp with the 4.3L V6, around 180 hp with the 5.0L V8, and roughly 210–230 hp with the 5.7L V8. The smaller S-10 pickups had lower outputs, typically 105–125 hp for four-cylinders and about 125–165 hp for the 2.8L V6.
Full-size Chevy C/K trucks (1987)
Chevrolet’s 1987 full-size pickups, the C/K line, carried three main engine options in the United States: a 4.3-liter V6, a 5.0-liter (305) V8, and a 5.7-liter (350) V8. The horsepower figures reflect typical SAE net ratings from that year, influenced by emissions equipment and drivetrain configuration.
- 4.3L V6 (262 cu in) — about 165 horsepower; torque around 255–275 lb-ft.
- 5.0L (305) V8 — about 180 horsepower; torque around 275 lb-ft.
- 5.7L (350) V8 — about 210–230 horsepower; torque around 330–350 lb-ft.
These figures illustrate the range of performance you could expect from a 1987 C/K depending on whether it was a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, carbureted or early fuel-injected, and how the vehicle was equipped for towing or load-bearing duties.
1987 S-10 small pickups
The compact S-10 lineup, Chevrolet’s smaller truck offering in 1987, delivered lower horsepower overall but still covered a useful range for light-duty work.
- 2.8L V6 — roughly 125 horsepower; commonly used in mid- to late-model S-10s for better performance than the four-cylinders.
- 2.5L inline-four — roughly 105–120 horsepower, depending on configuration and market.
Note: S-10 figures varied by market, trim level, and emissions equipment, but these numbers reflect typical U.S.-market ratings for that model year.
Context and caveats
Horsepower is only one facet of performance. Torque, curb weight, gearing, and drivetrain (two-wheel vs. four-wheel drive) all shape how a truck feels on the road or at the job site. In 1987, emission standards and mechanical differences between carbureted and early injected engines also influenced the published horsepower figures.
Summary
For the 1987 Chevy truck lineup, horsepower varied by model and engine. Full-size C/K pickups offered a spectrum from about 165 hp (4.3L V6) to approximately 210–230 hp (5.7L V8), with the mid-range 5.0L V8 around 180 hp. The compact S-10 trucks delivered lower outputs, typically 105–125 hp for four-cylinders and 125–165 hp for the 2.8L V6. If you’re checking a specific truck, the exact horsepower depends on its engine and options, and the original window sticker or factory manual will confirm the precise figure.
