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How much horsepower does a Chevy 5500 have?

The horsepower of a Chevy 5500 varies by engine and model year; most configurations fall in a broad range, with gasoline options around the 360 hp mark and diesel Duramax options spanning from roughly 260 up to the mid-400s horsepower depending on generation and tuning.

What the "5500" lineup includes and why horsepower varies

The 5500 designation is used on GM’s medium-duty trucks and chassis cab configurations, sold for vocational work such as service fleets, cargo haulers, and ambulances. Because GM offered multiple engines over different generations, horsepower isn’t a single number for all 5500s—it's tied to the specific engine, emissions package, and year.

Common engines and their horsepower (by era)

Here are the most frequently seen powertrains in Chevy 5500 variants and the approximate horsepower those engines produced. Values shift with year, market, and configuration.

Gasoline: 6.0L V8 (Vortec 6000) — typically around 360 horsepower in mid-2000s to early-2010s builds, with torque generally in the 380–405 lb-ft range depending on year.

Diesel: 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel — horsepower has ranged from roughly 260 to the mid-400s across generations, with torque commonly between about 660 and 910 lb-ft depending on year and spec.

Older high-capacity gasoline option: 8.1L Vortec — in its peak years, this engine produced roughly 340 horsepower; it appeared in some heavier 5500-builds but is less common in newer configurations.

Note: The exact horsepower for a given Chevy 5500 depends on the engine code, emissions equipment, and updates applied during its production run. Always check the vehicle’s build sheet or GM’s official spec for precise numbers.

How to verify the horsepower on your 5500

To determine the precise horsepower for your particular Chevy 5500, use these steps:

Check the door jamb label (engine code, GVWR, and model year) on the driver’s side for basic clues about the engine family.

Consult the original window sticker or the GM Build Sheet to confirm the exact horsepower rating for your truck’s configuration.

Look up the VIN-based specification sheet via GM’s official portals or request the data from a Chevrolet dealer to confirm engine and power output.

With the exact year and model in hand, you can verify the horsepower value for your 5500 variant.

Why horsepower matters for a work truck

Horsepower influences acceleration, payload handling, and gradeability—crucial factors for a work truck that carries heavy loads or operates on steep terrain. In many vocational applications, torque and engine response are as important as peak horsepower, since life on the job often demands strong pulling power and steady performance under load.

Summary

The Chevy 5500 does not have a single, fixed horsepower figure. It depends on the engine choice and production year, with common ranges spanning from the low hundreds for older diesel options to around 360 hp for the popular gasoline 6.0L V8, and diesel variants historically climbing from roughly 260 hp up into the 400s in later generations. For an exact number, consult the specific build sheet or VIN-based GM spec for your vehicle.

In short, if you need a precise horsepower number, identify your exact 5500 model year and engine, then verify it against the official GM spec sheet or build documentation. The correct figure depends on the truck’s configuration, not just the model name.

How much horsepower does a Chevy Silverado 5500 have?

401 horsepower
The Chevy Silverado 5500HD Chassis Cab offers two robust engine choices. The standard 6.6-liter V8 gas engine churns out an impressive 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for hauling and towing.

What is the difference between a Chevy 5500 and 6500?

The main differences between the Chevy 5500HD and 6500HD are their weight ratings and capability, with the 6500HD offering a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for heavier-duty applications, greater conventional towing capacity, and a higher maximum payload. The 6500HD is generally the choice for the most demanding jobs, while the 5500HD provides a balance of power and payload for a wide range of commercial uses.

This video compares the Chevy Silverado 5500 HD and 6500 HD: 1mThe Commercial Truck GuyYouTube · Jul 23, 2019

Feature	Chevy 5500HD	Chevy 6500HD
GVWR	Up to 19,500 lbs	Up to 22,900 lbs (or 23,500 lbs for 2025 models)
Maximum Conventional Towing	Up to 19,500 lbs	Up to 30,000 lbs
Maximum Payload	Up to 10,000 lbs	Up to 16,000 lbs (for 4500HD) (or 15,940 lbs for 6500HD)
Chassis Cab Configuration	Available in 2WD and 4WD with Regular and Crew Cab options	Available in 4WD only with a Crew Cab option
Wheelbase	Available from 141 to 241 inches	Available from 171 to 241 inches

Best for: Heavy-duty tasks that require high payload capacity, such as work trucks with upfits.
Key features: A good balance of power and payload capability for many commercial uses.
Chassis options: Offers more flexibility with 2WD and 4WD options.

Chevy 6500HD

Best for: The most demanding towing and hauling jobs.
Key features: A higher weight rating and superior towing capacity.
Chassis options: Limited to 4WD and Crew Cab configurations.

What is the difference between the Chevy 4500 and 5500?

The main difference between a Chevy 4500 HD and a 5500 HD is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), with the 5500 having a higher rating for heavier loads. While both models use the same 6.6L Duramax engine and Allison transmission and share many other features, the 5500's higher GVWR means it is designed for a greater maximum weight of the vehicle itself, its cargo, passengers, and equipment.
You can watch this video to learn about the Silverado 4500, 5500, and 6500 medium-duty trucks: 57sChevy DudeYouTube · Mar 6, 2019

Feature	Silverado 4500 HD	Silverado 5500 HD
GVWR	Up to 16,500 pounds	Up to 19,500 pounds
Engine	6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8	6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8
Transmission	Allison Transmission	Allison Transmission
Frame	Straight rail design for easier upfits	Straight rail design for easier upfits
Towing Capacity	Varies, but generally lower than 5500	Up to 19,500 pounds conventional towing

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the most significant difference. The 4500 HD is rated for a maximum of 16,500 pounds, while the 5500 HD can handle up to 19,500 pounds. This makes the 5500 the better choice for the heaviest jobs.
Underpinnings: Older models of the 4500 and 5500 might have had differences in components like springs and axles, but newer models share more components.
Configuration: Both are available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations with regular and crew cabs.
Upfitting: Both chassis cab models are designed to be easily upfitted with specialized bodies like dump bodies, rollbacks, and freight boxes, with features like a straight rail frame and factory-installed auxiliary switches to simplify the process.

How much horsepower does a Chevy 4500 have?

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.