In short, the 1996 5.7L Vortec engine is rated at 255 horsepower (SAE net) in GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs from that year.
Beyond the headline figure, the 1996 5.7 Vortec—often referred to as the Vortec 5700—represented GM's push to improve efficiency and performance in its big-block family. The rating reflects standard equipment for most 1996 applications, including pickups, Suburbans, Tahoes, and Yukons. Here is a concise look at the official horsepower and torque figures and the context behind them.
Official horsepower and torque
The following figures reflect GM's standard SAE net rating for the 1996 5.7L Vortec engines used in full-size trucks and SUVs.
- Horsepower: 255 hp at 4,600 rpm
- Torque: 330 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm
These numbers describe the engine's peak output under typical testing conditions and are the basis for window-sticker performance specs. Actual performance can vary with drivetrain and maintenance.
Notes on variations
While 255 hp is the widely cited figure, a few configurations or market versions could show slight variances in published horsepower. The torque rating of 330 lb-ft tends to be more consistent across 1996 5.7L Vortec installations.
Summary
In the 1996 GM lineup, the 5.7L Vortec delivers about 255 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, enabling solid acceleration, towing, and payload capabilities for trucks and full-size SUVs of that era.