How much HP does a Chevy 250 make?
There isn’t a single horsepower figure for a “Chevy 250,” because the label has been used for more than one engine family over the years. In general, a 250 cubic-inch inline-six delivers roughly 150–180 horsepower, while later 4.3-liter V6 variants (often associated with the same era of Chevy trucks and SUVs) typically produce about 160–210 horsepower depending on year and configuration.
To understand the exact number for a specific vehicle, you’ll need the year, model, and which engine you mean. Horsepower ratings have also changed over time due to emissions rules and the shift from gross to net horsepower, so precise figures require checking the exact engine code and build specifications for that vehicle.
What the term “250” has referred to in Chevrolet’s lineup
Two main engine families have carried the “250” designation in Chevrolet’s history. The following bullets summarize typical horsepower ranges for each family, noting that actual output varies by year, carburetion or fuel injection, and emissions controls.
- Inline-6 250 cubic inches (250 I-6): roughly 150–180 horsepower across production years, with torque commonly in the 230–270 lb-ft range. Early examples were more likely in the 150–165 hp range, while later carbureted and injected versions crept toward the upper end of that band.
- 4.3-liter V6 (262 cubic inches), a later engine sometimes referred to in informal terms as a “250” by some readers: typically about 160–210 horsepower, depending on year and fuel system (carbureted vs. fuel-injected) and tuning; torque often sits around 260–340 lb-ft. This engine became common in trucks and SUVs from the late 1980s onward.
In practice, the correct horsepower figure depends on which engine you own or are researching, as well as the year and configuration. The inline-6 and the 4.3L V6 are distinct families with different performance profiles.
Horsepower by era: a quick reference
Organizations and manuals often group numbers by era or configuration. The following ranges reflect typical outputs for the main 250-related Chevrolet engines, kept broad to accommodate year-to-year variation.
- 1960s–early 1970s inline-6 250 cu in: approximately 150–165 hp (gross ratings in some catalogs), with net ratings lower after 1972 due to emissions rules.
- Late 1970s–1980s inline-6 250 cu in: about 150–180 hp, with emissions and tuning reducing net figures in many applications.
- 4.3L V6 family (262 cu in): roughly 160–210 hp across its service life, with earlier versions nearer the 160–180 hp range and later Vortec-era versions closer to 190–210 hp.
These ranges are approximate; for a precise number, identify the engine code (RPO), model, and year, then consult the factory specifications or the vehicle’s build sheet.
How to confirm the exact horsepower for your Chevy 250
The most reliable way to pin down the horsepower figure is to verify the exact engine by its code and consult official specs. Use these steps:
- Locate the engine code/RPO on the vehicle’s emission control label or the glove box/door tag, and note the year and model.
- Match the code to Chevrolet’s official specifications or a trusted service manual for that exact configuration (carbureted vs. fuel-injected, and year-specific ratings).
- Consider whether the spec uses gross horsepower (older vehicles) or net horsepower (post-1971 GM ratings), as net numbers are typically lower due to modern accessories and emissions equipment.
With the engine code and year, you can determine the precise horsepower figure for your Chevy 250 engine. If you share the exact year, model, and whether you mean the inline-6 250 cu in or the 4.3L V6, I can give you the exact horsepower rating for that specific configuration.
Summary
The Chevy 250 does not map to a single horsepower figure. The name has applied to at least two distinct engine families—an inline-6 of about 150–180 hp and a later 4.3L V6 typically around 160–210 hp—depending on year, fuel system, and emissions standards. For an exact number, identify the engine code and year and consult the factory specs or a build sheet.
