How much horsepower does a 1997 Chevy 1500 5.7 V8 have?
The 1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 with a 5.7-liter V8 is typically rated at 255 horsepower.
That figure comes from Chevrolet’s 5.7L small-block V8 (engine code L31) used in most 1997 1500 pickups. It produced about 255 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque under federal emissions specifications. Actual output can vary slightly based on market, emissions equipment, and any factory towing or heavy-duty packages. The following breakdown offers context on what that horsepower means and why numbers can differ in practice.
Engine specs at a glance
Before listing the core specifications, here is a concise snapshot of the engine that powered most 1997 1500s with the 5.7L V8.
- Displacement: 5.7 L (350 cubic inches)
- Horsepower: 255 hp (190 kW) at approximately 4,600 rpm
- Torque: 330 lb-ft (447 Nm) at approximately 3,200 rpm
- Fuel system: Throttle Body Injection (TBI) with electronic controls
- Engine family: Chevrolet small-block V8, L31
Note: The published numbers reflect the federal-emission configuration common to 1997 models; California-spec versions could show similar horsepower with minor calibration differences.
Context and factors that influence the rating
Horsepower is a measure of engine output under test conditions and can be affected by several factors beyond the engine alone. In everyday driving, torque, drivetrain, and gearing often shape the perceived power just as much as the official horsepower figure.
Net vs gross and market differences
By the mid-1990s, horsepower ratings had shifted to SAE net measurements, which tend to be lower than the older gross figures due to accessory loads and production tolerances. For the 1997 5.7L V8 in GM trucks, the commonly cited figure of 255 hp is SAE net horsepower. Minor calibration or emissions equipment differences across markets can yield small variations.
Variants and factory options
Some trucks equipped with heavy-duty towing packages or different rear axle ratios may feel different in practice, but the engine itself remains the 5.7L V8. The peak horsepower number is a function of the engine’s tuning and the emission specification rather than a switch of the basic powertrain.
What this means for owners and buyers
For most drivers of 1997-era GM pickups, the 5.7L V8 provides solid mid-range torque and respectable highway performance for its time. If you’re evaluating a used 1997 1500 today, the best way to confirm your exact figure is to check the factory window sticker or use the VIN in a reliable decoder to identify the emission spec and configuration.
Summary
In short, the standard horsepower rating for a 1997 Chevy 1500 with the 5.7-liter V8 is 255 hp, typically accompanied by about 330 lb-ft of torque. This rating reflects the federal-emission configuration common to that year’s trucks; slight variations can occur based on market and equipment. For the most precise figure on a specific vehicle, consult the window sticker or VIN-based documentation.
How much horsepower does a 1998 Chevy Silverado 5.7 have?
The 1998 Chevy Silverado with the 5.7L Vortec engine has a horsepower of 255 hp at 4,600 rpm. This engine also produces 330 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm.
- Horsepower: 255 hp @ 4,600 rpm
- Torque: 330 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
- Engine: This is the 5.7L V8 Vortec 5700 L31 engine, often called the "350".
How much horsepower does a 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 engine 5.7 L V-8 have?
255-h.p.
1997 GMC Sierra SLT 4WD Wheelbase: 141.5 inches Length: 218 inches Engine: 5.7-liter, 255-h.p. V-8 Transmission: 4-speed automatic EPA mileage: 13 m.p.g. city/17 m.p.g. highway Base price: $20,896 Price as tested: $29,820.
How much horsepower does a 97 Chevy 1500 have?
The 1997 Chevy 1500 had multiple engine options, with horsepower ranging from 200 hp from the 4.3L V6 to 255 hp from the 5.7L V8. There was also a 5.0L V8 with 230 hp and a 6.5L diesel V8 with 180 hp.
Engine and horsepower details:
- 4.3L V6: 200 hp @ 4,400 RPM
- 5.0L V8: 230 hp
- 5.7L V8: 255 hp @ 4,600 RPM
- 6.5L V8 (Diesel): 180 hp
How much is a 1997 C1500 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,211 for a 1997 Chevrolet C1500 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1997 Chevrolet C1500 1/2 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1997 Chevrolet C1500 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $27,500.
