How much horsepower does a 2000 Chevy 2500 6.0 have?
The 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 heavy-duty pickup with the 6.0-liter Vortec V8 is rated at about 300 horsepower.
This article explains the official horsepower rating for the 6.0L engine used in the 2000 2500 models, what that number means in practice, and any year-to-year variations enthusiasts should know when evaluating a truck from that era.
Powertrain overview
The 6.0-liter Vortec engine, part of GM’s Vortec 6000 family, powered heavy-duty pickups and SUVs. In the 2000 Silverado 2500/2500HD, the LQ4 variant delivered solid torque and a broad power band designed for towing and payload.
Horsepower and torque
GM’s official rating for the LQ4 6.0L V8 in the 2000 Silverado 2500/2500HD is 300 horsepower, with peak torque of 360 lb-ft. This power figure is SAE net, reflecting the testing standards of the era. Peak horsepower typically occurs in the mid- to upper rpm range (around 5,200 rpm), with peak torque around 4,000 rpm, contributing to strong mid-range pulling power for a heavy-duty truck.
Variations and context
Power numbers can vary slightly depending on exact configuration, exhaust setup, and testing standards. For the 2000 model year 6.0L Vortec in the 2500/2500HD, the commonly cited figure remains 300 hp, regardless of four-wheel drive or axle ratio, though real-world performance will be influenced by gearing, vehicle weight, and traction.
In the broader GM lineup of the era, similar 6.0L V8s in other trucks and SUVs generally shared the same basic horsepower rating, with minor variations across model years. For the 2000 2500, 300 hp is the standard reference.
Summary: The 2000 Chevy Silverado 2500's 6.0-liter Vortec engine delivers about 300 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, based on SAE net measurements used at the time.
