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Mon Dec 07, 2009 1:55 pm

So, the 1972 engine had 60 hp....and in 1973, the same engine had 48 HP.
Thanks to the EPA....

So, my question is, what is the easiest way to regain some or all of that lost horsepower?

What exactly did they do that cost the engine so much power?

Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:03 pm

They changed the rules under which HP was measured.

Actual output was the same.

Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:06 pm

AH-HA!
So, it was HP at the flywheel, vs. HP at the wheels? (or similar)

Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:12 pm

1973superbug wrote: AH-HA!
So, it was HP at the flywheel, vs. HP at the wheels? (or similar)

I don't think so ... I think both are at the wheels (or both at the flywheel, I'm unsure which) ... just the actual methodology of testing was changed.

Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:14 pm

Here's the wiki:

SAE gross horsepower

Prior to the 1972 model year, American automakers rated and advertised their engines in brake horsepower (bhp), frequently referred to as SAE gross horsepower, because it was measured in accord with the protocols defined in SAE standards J245 and J1995. As with other brake horsepower test protocols, SAE gross hp was measured using a stock test engine, generally running with few belt-driven accessories and sometimes fitted with long tube (test headers) in lieu of the OEM exhaust manifolds. The atmospheric correction standards for barometric pressure, humidity and temperature for testing were relatively idealistic.

SAE net horsepower

In the United States, the term bhp fell into disuse in 1971-72, as automakers began to quote power in terms of SAE net horsepower in accord with SAE standard J1349. Like SAE gross and other brake horsepower protocols, SAE Net hp is measured at the engine's crankshaft, and so does not account for transmission losses. However, the SAE net hp testing protocol calls for standard production-type belt-driven accessories, air cleaner, emission controls, exhaust system, and other power-consuming accessories. This produces ratings in closer alignment with the power produced by the engine as it is actually configured and sold.

Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:15 pm

Cool. Thanks for the lesson! (I am a wiki person myself, didn't even think to look there!)