* Many engine variations: The 350 cubic inch (5.7L) small block Chevrolet engine was incredibly popular and came in many different configurations. The horsepower could vary greatly depending on:
* Carburetion: Single barrel, two barrel, or four barrel
* Compression ratio: Lower compression was common in those years for fuel economy, while higher compression was used for performance.
* Cam specifications: Different camshafts were used for different power bands and levels of performance.
* Exhaust system: Headers or restrictive mufflers can change horsepower.
* Other modifications: Air cleaners, intake manifolds, and even the type of heads used can affect the engine's power.
* No standard horsepower: Chevrolet didn't publish a single horsepower rating for all 350s in pickups during that year. They offered many variations, and the actual horsepower would depend on the specific combination of components.
To find the horsepower rating for your specific 1977 Chevrolet 350 engine, you'll need to:
1. Identify your engine's casting number: This is found on the block itself.
2. Look up your engine code: This will be on your vehicle's build sheet or emissions sticker.
3. Research your specific engine: Once you have this information, you can research online resources like the Chevrolet Small Block Bible or other car enthusiast websites to find the approximate horsepower output for your engine.
4. Consider a dyno test: If you want the most accurate horsepower measurement, a dynamometer test will provide the best results.
Remember, even with the same engine, different pickups could have different options affecting the actual horsepower. Good luck!
