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How to get 500 horsepower out of a 350?

Extracting 500 horsepower from a 350 cubic inch (5.7 liter) engine is an ambitious goal, but it is achievable with the right modifications and tuning. This article will guide you through the steps and considerations involved in boosting the power output of a 350 engine to reach the 500 horsepower mark.


Understanding the 350 Engine


The 350 engine, also known as the small-block Chevrolet V8, is a popular and well-engineered engine that has been used in a wide range of vehicles, from muscle cars to trucks. While the stock 350 engine typically produces around 300 horsepower, with the right modifications, it is possible to extract significantly more power from this engine.


Key Modifications for 500 Horsepower


To achieve 500 horsepower from a 350 engine, you will need to make the following key modifications:



  • Forced Induction: Adding a turbocharger or supercharger is one of the most effective ways to increase the power output of a 350 engine. This will significantly boost the engine's air intake, allowing for more fuel to be burned and more power to be generated.

  • Cylinder Heads: Upgrading the cylinder heads with high-flow, high-performance components can significantly improve the engine's breathing and increase its power potential.

  • Camshaft: Replacing the stock camshaft with a more aggressive, high-lift, and long-duration camshaft can also contribute to increased power output.

  • Fuel System: Upgrading the fuel system, including the fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel injectors, is necessary to support the increased fuel demand of a 500 horsepower engine.

  • Ignition System: Upgrading the ignition system, such as using high-performance spark plugs and ignition coils, can help ensure efficient combustion and maximize power output.


These modifications, when combined with careful tuning and engine balancing, can help you achieve the desired 500 horsepower from your 350 engine.


Considerations and Cautions


While it is possible to reach 500 horsepower from a 350 engine, it is important to consider the following factors:



  • Reliability: Pushing an engine to its limits can compromise its reliability and longevity. It is crucial to ensure that all components are properly matched and that the engine is well-maintained to prevent premature failure.

  • Drivability: Highly modified engines may not be as drivable as stock engines, with increased vibration, noise, and potentially more challenging handling characteristics.

  • Legal and Safety Concerns: Ensure that any modifications made to the engine comply with local laws and regulations, and that the vehicle is safe to operate on public roads.


It is recommended to work with experienced mechanics or engine builders who can guide you through the process and help ensure that your 350 engine is properly modified and tuned to achieve the desired 500 horsepower output safely and reliably.

How much HP can a stock 350 hold?


From the Chevrolet factory, 350 small blocks were delivered with power ratings everywhere from 165 horsepower to 370 horsepower. Modified/racing 350s could produce somewhere between 700 and 800 horsepower while still being normally aspirated.



Can a 383 stroker make 500 hp?


Chevy 383 Engine - We Build a Small-Block That Makes 500HP and 500 LB-FT - Hot Rod Magazine.



Can you get 400hp out of a 350?


On the power side, we selected 400 hp as a reasonable output. Building a 350 to produce 400hp is really no big deal, but doing it for chump change is decidedly more difficult.



Can a 5.3 make 500hp?


To summarize, a stock 5.3 will make about 320 HP. It's possible to push 1000 HP from a 5.3 LS, but a great budget build will easily get you 400-500 HP.



What is the maximum HP you can get out of a 350?


a typical 350 Chevy can make upwards of 350 - 375 HP before you exceed the reliability of the components. For a big block with the same stock components it can make in the area of about 400 to 475 or so HP and handle upwards of about 500 HP before you exceed the reliability of the stock cast pistons.



Is 500 HP a lot?


A vehicle with triple the power of most economy cars and crossovers has the potential for utter lunacy. For us, 500 hp feels like a healthy figure for maximum fun (safely, of course) at the most affordable price. For under $100,000, this wide variety of 500-horsepower coupes, sedans, trucks, and SUVs fit the bill.



How much horsepower does a 5.7 350 have?


Specs For Chevy 350 5.7 Small Block Engines
The compression ratio of the engine varies depending on the specific model and can range anywhere from 8.0:1 to 10.25:1. The horsepower output of a stock 350 engine also varies depending on the specific model, but can range from 145 to 370 horsepower.



Can I get 500HP out of a 350?


You “can” get 500HP out of a 350 BUT because it is a small cubic inch engine it IS going to be peaky and won't have much torque.



How much HP can a stock Turbo 350 handle?


The Stage 1 TH350 is rated up to 450 hp. Those seeking something a little stronger can check out the Stage 2 version (PN PA35102) that holds 550 hp and retails for $1,500 with a real world street price of $1,175 from most vendors.



Is a 350 or 383 stroker better?


Why A Stroker, You Ask? The biggest advantage to putting a crankshaft from a Chevy 400 into a 350 block to produce 383 cubic inches is that more displacement equals more power. Also, the longer crank throw produces more downward thrust, which translates into torque.


Kevin's Auto

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.