How much horsepower does a 1988 Chevy 350 have?

In 1988, the 350 cubic-inch V8 used across Chevrolet’s lineup produced about 210 horsepower in the common fuel-injected configurations found in trucks and large cars. Other 350 variants—particularly carbureted or early multi-point injection versions in some passenger cars—typically ranged from roughly 165 to 190 horsepower, with sport-oriented versions often in the 230–245 horsepower range depending on the model and emissions equipment.

To understand the exact figure for a specific 1988 Chevrolet with a 350, you need to know the vehicle model, trim, and induction system. The 1988 lineup used several distinct 350 variants, so horsepower varied by application and market. This article outlines the typical figures and how to verify the precise output for your exact vehicle.

Variations across the 1988 lineup

Key engine configurations

Chevrolet’s 350 cubic-inch V8 appeared in several configurations in 1988, spanning trucks, cars, and performance models. The ranges below reflect the most common versions you would encounter in that year.

• Fuel-injected 5.7L V8 (often the throttle-body injection setup in C/K trucks, Suburbans, and some full-size cars): approximately 210 horsepower.


• Carbureted or early multi-point injected 5.7L V8 in passenger cars (Caprice, Impala, etc.): roughly 165–190 horsepower depending on emission equipment and tuning.


• Performance-oriented 5.7L V8 variants in sport models (IROC-Z/Camaro, certain Corvette options): commonly around 230–245 horsepower depending on the exact configuration and emissions controls.

These figures reflect typical factory ratings for the 1988 model year and can vary by market (federal vs. California) and by the specific vehicle’s option package. For a precise number, consult the original window sticker or the build sheet for the exact vehicle.

How to verify horsepower for your exact 1988 350

To determine the exact horsepower of a particular 1988 Chevy 350, use one of these methods:

• Check the original window sticker or dealership paperwork for the engine’s horsepower rating.


• Look up the VIN-based build sheet (RPO) to identify the engine code and its rated output.


• Consult the owner’s manual or Chevrolet service information for your specific model and engine code.

With the engine code or VIN, you can pinpoint the exact horsepower rating that applied to your vehicle when it rolled off the lot.

Historical context and emissions impact

During 1988, engine technology and emissions controls were evolving rapidly. Trucks typically prioritized torque and reliability, while passenger cars could vary more widely due to emissions equipment and tuning. California-market vehicles often had different ratings due to stricter emissions standards. Factory horsepower figures sometimes differed from what a modern dynamometer might show on an older engine that has aged or been modified.

Conclusion

In summary, the 1988 Chevy 350’s horsepower varied by application: about 210 hp for the common fuel-injected configurations in trucks and some full-size cars, roughly 165–190 hp for many passenger-car versions, and around 230–245 hp for sport-oriented variants. For an exact figure, verify the specific engine code and vehicle documentation from that year.

Summary: The 1988 Chevrolet 350 horsepower depended on model and fuel system, with the most common output around 210 hp, lower figures for carbureted variants, and higher figures for performance-oriented versions. Always check the original build data to confirm the precise rating for a given vehicle.

How much horsepower and torque does a 350 TBI have?

A stock Chevy 350 TBI engine typically produces around 210 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs of torque. However, power output can vary, and modified TBI 350s can achieve higher numbers, such as 260 hp / 342 ft-lbs from crate engines or even 300 hp / 360 ft-lbs with modifications like custom chips, improved exhausts, and better cams. 
This video explains the history and performance of the Chevy 350 TBI engine: 50sEngine LegendsYouTube · Oct 1, 2025

• Stock: The 1987-1995 factory TBI 350 engines (like those in Chevy trucks) are rated at approximately 210 hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque. 
• Modified:
  • Some crate engine versions with improved heads and cams can produce around 260 hp and 342 ft-lbs of torque. 
  • With upgrades like a custom chip, better exhaust, and a new camshaft, outputs of up to 300 hp and 360 ft-lbs of torque are possible. 
  • Basic modifications like adding a throttle body spacer and a K&N filter may result in modest gains, but larger gains require more significant upgrades to the exhaust, ignition, and the camshaft, which was a major restriction on the stock engine. 
  • The TBI system itself has flow limitations. Achieving higher horsepower, such as over 535 hp, requires moving beyond the TBI system to multi-port fuel injection or carburetion, according to JustAnswer. 

This video shows the build process of a Chevy 350 TBI engine: 47sEngine PowerYouTube · Oct 3, 2021

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 1988 5.7 Chevy have?

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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.