AMC Eagle

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by nasadowsk

"Before that, those big American engines that we now consider 'weak' were often making hundreds of horsepower, sometimes 1 per cubic inch. They were made weak to meet emissions standards."

I think it was Super Chevy that dyno'd a prestine version of the supposed "monster '70 Chevelle LS what that everyone brags about how it made more horsepower than GM would admit to.

288 HP at the rear.

That's barely an entry level high HP car these days.

What "killed" horsepower ratings in the 70's was the feds clamped down on car makers basically advertising whatever number they wanted. It was the same thing they did with stereo equipment. Then you added emissons regulations later on, which the big three figured if they moaned enough, it'd go away. It didn't, and the Japanese ate their lunch.

They didn't advertise whatever they wanted they changed from advertising Gross HP to Net HP (or the other way around).... basically they were testing flywheel HP with NONE of the power robing accessories attached then switched to measuring with them attached to give a better idea of what would make it to the wheels...Also by the 70s the insurance companies had made it their mission from God to charge muscle car owners up the wall so that hurt muscle car sales and the makers actually started advertising HP lower than actual so owners could get cheaper insurance....

The automotive world would be a vastly better place if government had kept it's damn nose out and let the market drive the industry the right direction.