How much horsepower does a 1988 5.7 Chevy have?
The 1988 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 spanned a horsepower range roughly from 190 to 245 hp, depending on the model and fuel system; the Corvette’s 5.7L engines were at the high end, around 245 hp.
Context: The 5.7-liter V8 lineup in 1988
In 1988, Chevrolet offered several 5.7L V8 configurations across its cars and trucks. Horsepower varied with fuel delivery (carbureted, throttle body injection, or tuned port injection), exhaust tuning, and emissions equipment typical of the era.
Representative horsepower by model
Here are representative horsepower figures by model and configuration for 1988 5.7L engines.
- Corvette (L98 5.7L V8, tuned port injection) — approximately 245 horsepower
- Camaro/Firebird 5.7L V8s (high-performance trims) — roughly 230–245 horsepower
- Full-size cars and light trucks with 5.7L (TBI/TPI setups) — about 190–210 horsepower
Note: horsepower numbers varied by exact engine code, emissions equipment, and production date. The Corvette’s 5.7L V8 stands out at about 245 hp in 1988.
What factors affected horsepower in 1988 models
Several factors influenced the factory horsepower ratings for the 5.7L V8 in 1988 vehicles. The following elements helped determine peak output.
- Fuel delivery method: carbureted vs throttle body injection (TBI) vs tuned port injection (TPI)
- Intake and exhaust design, including cam profiles and exhaust manifolds
- Compression ratio and ignition timing controlled by either a distributor or engine computer
- Emissions equipment and testing standards, which often constrained peak performance
In practice, to know the exact figure for a specific vehicle, you should look up the engine code (such as L98 or L05) and verify it against the original specifications for that model-year release.
Notes on engine codes and verification
For precise horsepower, identify the exact engine code for the 1988 vehicle (for example, L98 for certain 5.7L V8s in performance trims). The engine code, VIN, and build sheet are the most reliable sources for confirming the factory rating.
How to verify your engine's horsepower
To confirm horsepower for a particular 1988 5.7L Chevy, check the vehicle’s engine code from the VIN, refer to the original window sticker, or consult the applicable factory manuals for that model-year. You can also cross-check calibration data associated with that engine code (L98, L05, etc.).
Summary
The 1988 5.7L Chevrolet V8 covered a spectrum—from about 190–210 hp in many trucks and base cars to roughly 245 hp in high-performance applications like the Corvette. Exact numbers depend on the specific engine code, fuel system, and emissions configuration, so verify the exact engine code for precise horsepower figures.
