What were the specs of the 1988 Chevy C1500?
The 1988 Chevy C1500 was a half-ton pickup that offered three engine choices (4.3L V6, 5.0L V8, 5.7L V8), 2WD or 4WD, and two bed configurations, with a range of transmissions. Payloads and towing capabilities varied by drivetrain and equipment, but generally fell in the vicinity of 1,600–1,900 lb of payload and roughly 6,500–8,000 lb of towing capacity.
Engines and performance
Chevy provided a straightforward powertrain lineup geared toward workhorse reliability. The following are representative specs for the 1988 C1500 engines; actual figures can vary by emissions calibration and gearing.
Available engines
- 4.3L V6 (262 cu in): approximately 165 hp and 255–270 lb-ft of torque. Commonly paired with a 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed manual transmission, depending on configuration.
- 5.0L V8 (305 cu in): roughly 170–190 hp with about 275–300+ lb-ft of torque.
- 5.7L V8 (350 cu in): about 210–230 hp and 320–360 lb-ft of torque.
The engine choice largely determined performance, with the V8s offering the strongest towing capability and the V6 focusing on daily driving and economy.
Drivetrain and transmissions
The 1988 C1500 was offered in 2WD and 4WD configurations, with a mix of automatic and manual transmissions to match use-case needs.
Transmission options
- 3-speed automatic (TH350) was common on base configurations.
- 4-speed automatic overdrive (700R4) was optional, especially with larger V8s and higher-trim setups.
- Manual transmissions included a 4-speed option (SM465) on select 4x4 configurations.
Gear choices influenced payload handling, towing performance, and driving feel, particularly under load or when traversing tough terrain.
Dimensions, payload, and towing
Specs varied by cab and bed configuration, affecting wheelbase, GVWR, and capabilities.
Key specs by layout
- Bed lengths: 6.5-foot short bed and 8-foot long bed were available, with regular cab and extended cab layouts depending on trim.
- Wheelbases: typically around 117 inches for common two-door setups, with slight variations by cab/bed choice.
- GVWR: generally in the range of 5,800–6,600 lb, depending on engine, axle, and drivetrain.
- Payload capacity: commonly about 1,600–1,900 lb.
- Towing capacity: typically in the 6,500–8,000 lb range when properly equipped (engine, transmission, axle, and hitch configuration all factor in).
As with many trucks of the era, exact figures depended on the specific build, emissions package, cab/bed option, and drivetrain configuration.
Summary: In 1988, the Chevy C1500 offered flexible configurations to suit light-duty work and daily driving. With three engine options, two-drive configurations, and short or long bed choices, buyers could tailor payload and towing performance to their needs.
What was the specs of the 1988 Chevy C1500?
Under the hood, the 1988 Chevrolet C1500 offered several engine options. The base engine was the LB4 4.3L V6, which produced 160 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included the L03 5.0L V8, the L05 5.7L V8, and a 6.2L Detroit Diesel V8.
What was special about the 1988 Chevy truck?
Introduced for 1988, the fourth-generation C/K marked the addition of the extended-cab body to the pickup truck line (trailing Dodge and Ford by nearly 15 years).
What years to avoid on a Chevy 1500?
Worst Years for the Chevy Silverado 1500
- 2007–2011 (early GMT900) – Known for AFM oil use, lifter noise, and costly engine repairs.
- 2014–2016 (early K2XX) – Frequent A/C condenser leaks, transmission shudder, and cabin vibration.
- 2019–2021 (early T1XX) – DFM lifter failures and engine bearing issues that led to recalls.
What engines were available in the 1988 Chevy Silverado?
Base model for the 1500 and 2500 had the 4.3 V6. The 5.0 (305 CID) and 5.7 (350 CID) gas engines and the 6.2 Detroit Diesel were options (the 454 SS model wasn't available until 1991). For the 3500, the 5.7 was standard, with options for the 7.4 V8 (454 CID) and 6.2 diesel.
