How much horsepower does a 1991 Chevy Caprice 305 have?
Approximately 170 horsepower.
The 1991 Caprice used a 5.0-liter (305 cubic-inch) V8 as the base engine. In 1991, the 305 V8 was rated at about 170 hp (SAE net) with around 275 lb-ft of torque. The figure reflects the standard configuration for the 305-equipped Caprice, though minor variation can occur due to regional emissions equipment or wear. The engine was fuel-injected and typically paired with an automatic transmission, prioritizing smooth, reliable performance in the full-size sedan.
Overview of the 1991 Caprice’s 305 V8
The 5.0-liter V8 in the 1991 Caprice belongs to Chevrolet's small-block family and served as the base engine for that year. It produced roughly 170 hp and about 275 lb-ft of torque, designed for everyday driving rather than sporty acceleration. Most Caprices with this engine used fuel injection appropriate to the era and were paired with an automatic transmission. For buyers seeking more power, higher trims could opt for a larger 5.7-liter (350 cu in) V8, which offered greater horsepower.
Power figures and measurement
When reading horsepower figures from that era, SAE net horsepower is the standard used by manufacturers for official ratings. The 1991 Caprice with the 305 V8 is commonly cited as delivering around 170 hp and roughly 275 lb-ft of torque. Depending on emission equipment and regional tuning, there can be slight variations in the exact number, but 170 hp remains the widely cited figure for the 305-equipped Caprice of this year.
The following core specifications apply to the 1991 Caprice with the 305 V8:
- Displacement: 5.0 L (305 cu in)
- Horsepower: 170 hp (SAE net)
- Torque: ~275 lb-ft
- Induction: fuel-injected V8 (era-typical injection, not a carburetor)
- Configuration: 90-degree OHV V8
In summary, the 1991 Caprice with the 305 V8 is rated at about 170 horsepower and around 275 lb-ft of torque, reflecting the baseline performance metrics for a large GM sedan of that period.
Variants and related powertrains
While the base Caprice used the 305 V8, some higher trims and packages offered the 5.7 L (350 cu in) V8, which carried higher horsepower figures (typically in the ~180–210 hp range depending on year and equipment). The 305 remained the standard, more economical option for the 1991 model year.
Summary
The 1991 Chevy Caprice with the 305 V8 delivers about 170 horsepower (SAE net) and roughly 275 lb-ft of torque. This aligns with the era’s standard for a full-size GM sedan, emphasizing smooth, reliable performance over sporty acceleration. Real-world output can vary based on wear, emissions equipment, and configuration.
What type of motor oil does a 1989 Caprice take on a 5.0 305 engine?
5W-30
FRAM – 5W-30 Conventional Motor Oil, Low-Speed Pre-Ignition Control, 5 Quart (Part No. F620-5QT)
How much horsepower does a 305 Chevy have?
A stock Chevy 305 engine's horsepower can range from 130 hp to 230 hp, depending on the model year and specific setup. However, with modern performance upgrades, a 305 can produce significantly more power, with some builds exceeding 450 hp and supercharged versions reaching over 600 hp.
Stock horsepower by configuration
This video explains the truth about the Chevy 305 engine: 53sRatMaroYouTube · Jan 17, 2023
- Economy versions: Base models with a two-barrel carburetor produced around 162 hp.
- Four-barrel carbureted: Upgraded versions with a four-barrel carburetor made about 180 hp, with Corvette versions getting a slight boost to 195 hp.
- Tuned Port Injection (TPI): Later models with TPI, a fuel-injection system, were more performance-oriented, with outputs ranging from 215 hp to 230 hp.
- High Output (L69): A high-output, carbureted version was rated at 190 hp.
Modified horsepower
- Budget upgrades: With budget-friendly modifications like a new cam, heads, intake, and carburetor, a 305 can reach around 300-367 hp.
- High-performance build: More extensive builds with performance heads, cams, and an upgraded intake can achieve over 450 hp.
- Forced induction: Adding a supercharger can dramatically increase power, with some builds reaching over 600 hp.
This video shows a dyno run of a modified Chevy 305 engine: 1mEngine PowerYouTube · Aug 11, 2024
How much horsepower does a 1991 Chevy Caprice have?
Engine
| Horsepower | 170 hp @ 4,200 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 255 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm |
How much horsepower does a 1991 Camaro 305 have?
A 1991 Camaro 305 engine had two main horsepower options: the higher-performance 305 Tuned-Port Injection (TPI) produced 230 hp, while the lower-output 305 Throttle Body Injection (TBI) had 170 hp. The TPI motor was generally found in sportier models like the Z28, while the TBI engine was more common in the base models.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1991 Camaro Walkaround with Steve Magnante: 48sHigh Octane ClassicsYouTube · Oct 1, 2024
- 230 hp (TPI): This was the higher-performance version, often paired with a manual transmission and a G92 performance axle, found in models like the Z28.
- 170 hp (TBI): This was the lower-output, more basic engine, typically found in the base model Camaro RS, which was more focused on fuel economy.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1991 Camaro Z28: 59sClassic Car ChitChatYouTube · Jan 7, 2024
