How much HP does a 1988 Chevy 350 have?
The horsepower of a 1988 Chevy 350 varies by variant, but typical output ranged from about 180 to 210 hp in common carbureted versions and roughly 230 to 245 hp in tuned-port injection performance variants.
In 1988, Chevrolet offered several 5.7-liter V8 configurations, so there wasn’t a single number for all 350 engines that year. The figures below reflect SAE net horsepower ratings used at the time and illustrate how fuel system choice and vehicle type influenced output.
Engine configurations in 1988
Representative horsepower ranges by fuel system and usage in 1988 Chevy 350 engines:
- Carbureted 350 (base and certain trucks and sedans): approximately 180–210 hp.
- Tuned Port Injection 350 (performance-oriented cars like Camaros/Firebirds and some Corvettes): approximately 230–245 hp.
The Tuned Port Injection variants were the high-performance options in the era, powering the more spirited models and delivering power near the upper end of the 1988 350 spectrum.
Model-specific horsepower in 1988
Notable examples
Representative horsepower figures for 1988 models using the 350 small-block:
- Chevrolet Corvette (L98 350 V8; high-performance application): about 240 hp.
- Chevrolet Camaro/Firebird with 350 V8 (IROC-Z and other performance trims using tunable-port injection): roughly 230–245 hp, depending on configuration and exhaust.
- Chevrolet C/K pickups and other base models with carbureted 350: roughly 180–210 hp.
Note: These numbers reflect SAE net horsepower ratings from the era and can vary by year, emissions equipment, and whether the engine received heavy-duty or standard-tune exhausts.
Summary
The 1988 Chevy 350 encompassed a range of outputs. If you’re assessing a specific vehicle, check the engine code and VIN to confirm the exact factory rating for that configuration. In short, about 180–210 hp was typical for carbureted base versions, while tuned-port injection variants climbed to roughly 230–245 hp in performance-focused models.
