How much horsepower does a 1989 5.7 Chevy have?
In 1989, the Chevrolet 5.7-liter V8 produced about 210 horsepower in most trucks and non-performance cars, while Corvette and certain high-performance variants reached roughly 245 horsepower. The exact figure depended on the model, emissions setup, and drivetrain. Below is a detailed look at how those numbers varied across popular configurations.
Overview of the 5.7L V8 in 1989
The 5.7-liter V8 (350 cubic inches) was Chevrolet’s workhorse small-block in 1989, offered across a range of body styles from trucks to sports cars. Most implementations used throttle-body injection (TBI) and SAE net horsepower ratings, a standard of the era that can differ slightly from modern testing. Engine tuning, exhaust, and emissions equipment all influenced the final horsepower number you’d see on a sticker or in a brochure.
Horsepower by model category
Trucks and base models
The majority of 5.7L V8s found in C/K pickups, Suburbans, and related vehicles were tuned for reliability and torque, rather than outright speed. Factory ratings for these configurations were generally around 210 horsepower.
- Chevrolet C/K pickups, Suburban, and related 5.7L V8s (TBI): about 210 hp
Concluding note: This level of output emphasized robust low-end torque for hauling and everyday driving, with torque commonly in the neighborhood of 330 lb-ft, depending on gearing and exhaust configuration.
Corvette and high-performance variants
For the sports-focused applications, the Corvette line offered a higher-output 5.7L V8. In 1989, the Corvette C4’s 5.7L HO engine was rated at about 245 horsepower, delivering stronger acceleration suited to a sports car image of the era.
- Corvette C4 with 5.7L HO (L98): approximately 245 hp
Concluding note: The Corvette’s higher rating reflected its performance intent, aided by calibration and intake/exhaust tuning tailored to sportier driving.
Camaro, Firebird and other performance trims
Several Camaros and Firebirds used the 5.7L V8 in various performance-oriented trims during the late 1980s. Depending on the exact year, package, and emissions equipment, these configurations typically ranged from about 230 to 245 horsepower.
- Camaro/Firebird with 5.7L V8: roughly 230–245 hp depending on trim and options
Concluding note: As with the other categories, exact numbers varied by year, market, torque management, and exhaust setup. Window stickers and build sheets provide the precise figure for a given vehicle.
Summary
To sum up, the 1989 Chevrolet 5.7-liter V8 generally delivered around 210 horsepower in the standard/working configurations, with Corvette and certain performance-oriented models pushing toward about 245 horsepower. If you’re evaluating a specific car, verify the exact figure on the vehicle’s window sticker or build sheet, since options and emissions equipment can shift the rating by a few horsepower.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Chevy 350 have?
A 1989 Chevy 350 engine typically has between 190 and 245 horsepower, depending on the specific vehicle and configuration. For example, a 1989 Silverado truck engine was rated around 210 hp, while the high-performance 1989 IROC-Z Camaro engine produced 240 hp.
- Standard configurations: Many standard 1989 truck and passenger car engines with TBI (Throttle Body Injection) were around 190–210 hp.
- Performance configurations: Models like the IROC-Z Camaro came with the more powerful L98 engine and Tuned Port Injection, rated at 240 hp.
- Corvette L98: The Corvette's L98 engine was rated at 240 hp in 1989.
How much horsepower does a 5.7 350 make?
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.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Chevy Silverado 5.7 have?
Powering this truck is a fuel-injected 5.7-liter V8 that received factory ratings of 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque when new.
What engine is in a 1989 Chevy 1500?
| Powertrain details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine design | Engine family | Production |
| 5.7 L (350 cu in) V8 | Chevrolet small-block engine (Gen 1: 4-inch bore family) | 1988 |
| 1989–1995 | ||
| Chevrolet small-block engine (Vortec 5700) | 1996–2000 |
