Could anyone tell me how I could find out whether my 305 has 165 or 190 HP? Its a family members' car that i will picking up in a week or so. Anyway i could find out by checking the vin in the door jam or what codes to look for? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

8th character of the VIN. "H" = base carb'd V8 (145 to 165 HP, very few were 165), "G" = 190 HP.

Is this an '86? TBI came out in '88 (VIN code "E"), and all were 170 HP.

 

It's an 86 with a carb, from what I'm told. I was just wondering how much horsepower it has before i tear it out this summer and replace it with a 327 or 350.

 

At the bottom of the page are links to year-by-year data.

https://www.thirdgen.org/1986-chevy-camaro

If Z28, it might be 165 HP. In '86, the L69 190-horse engine was so rare, it isn't even worth talking about.

The VIN is on the dash, by the way, viewed through the windshield.

 

I looked at it today when i was over my aunt's house. It's the 145-165 hp engine.

 

Well, it would be at least 155 HP stock.

Improve the air cleaner, put in a better cam and valve springs, install headers and all new exhaust, they'll put out over 200 HP easily. 250 HP isn't unreasonable to expect.