How much horsepower does a 1990 Chevy 350 have?
The horsepower of a 1990 Chevy 350 varied widely by model and configuration. In general, most 350 engines in trucks and standard cars delivered about 210 horsepower, higher-performance versions around 230–245 horsepower, and the rare Corvette ZR-1 used a special LT5 engine rated at about 375 horsepower.
The 350 cubic-inch V8 was Chevrolet’s workhorse engine in 1990, powering everything from full-size trucks to sports cars. Output depended on the fuel system (throttle-body, Tuned Port Injection, or a DOHC setup in the special ZR-1), emissions equipment, and specific vehicle tuning. What follows is a broad, model-oriented snapshot to illustrate the range.
Model-by-model snapshot
Below is a general breakdown of common configurations that used the 350 in 1990 GM models, with typical horsepower ranges. Numbers reflect SAE net ratings common for the era and may vary by exact vehicle and condition.
- L05 5.7L V8 with throttle-body injection (TBI) used in many trucks and some larger cars — roughly 210 horsepower with torque around 330 lb-ft.
- L03 5.7L V8 with Tuned Port Injection (TPI) found in several passenger cars (such as performance variants of Camaros/Firebirds and some full-size models) — generally in the 230–245 horsepower range, with torque around 320–340 lb-ft.
- Performance-oriented configurations in sportier GM models (e.g., certain Camaros/Firebirds with higher calibration) — commonly in the upper 200s horsepower, depending on the exact model and year.
- Rare Corvette ZR-1 equipped with the LT5 5.7L DOHC engine — officially rated at about 375 horsepower, a standout high-performance variant for the era.
In practice, the exact horsepower for a given 1990 Chevy 350 depends on the vehicle and its equipment. A typical pickup or base passenger car used the 210 hp figure, while certain performance-oriented cars climbed higher, with the ZR-1 Corvette representing the extreme end of the range.
Why numbers vary and how to verify
Horsepower figures come from different measurement standards (net horsepower vs. gross) and can be affected by engine condition, altitude, and emissions controls. If you want the precise figure for a specific 1990 Chevy with a 350 engine, check the vehicle’s VIN, the original window sticker, or the factory service documentation for that exact model and engine code.
Summary
For the 1990 Chevrolet 350 small-block, horsepower spanned a range rather than a single value. Most 350s in trucks and standard cars produced about 210 hp, many performance-tuned versions sat around 230–245 hp, and the Corvette ZR-1's LT5 variant delivered 375 hp. Always verify the exact specification for your specific vehicle, since engine code and configuration drive the final number.
