Thread: Hp?

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This is or should be a very common question...I don't have access to a dyno so an estimate would be much appreciated. What would be the approximate HP of the following engine?
1977 Chevy 350. Not a 4-bolt. Bored .30 over.
Edlebrock Performer cam, intake and 600cfm carb.
ceramic coated headers
Ford 8" rear with 3.00 gears

1,000,000hp give or take. Seriously, my guess would be 300-400hp. But more important, are you happy with its performance? That really is the secret.

1977--------Edelbrock had a package of cam, induction, cylinder heads, pistons etc as 400 hp--likely hood of making that at the flywheel was pretty slim-

1977 vehicles were low compression smog mobiles-140-170 HP

You'll be extremely lucky to cross 200hp on chassis dyno

With production heads and unknown static compression ratio, I'd have to side with Jerry.

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New .030 over Pistons probably brought the compression up. And, I've found Edelbrock to be conservative with their HP ratings. It would not surprise me if his HP is upwards towards the 400 mark. But, again it's all about wether or not he's comfortable and happy with the performance he has.

There are very few people that would do a high HP build in a 2 bolt main block-not that you couldn't get power but that it just isn't done that way. Plus the possibility is further weakened with the use of a Ford 8 inch rear with 300 gear-this build was just a standard quality rebuild/repair for driveability-----

30% driveline loss down to around 185-190???????

1977-----------smog performance-low compression, retarded cam /valve timing, low compression, unleaded gas, cat converters, big fans, ac systems , egr,
Ford 8 and 9 inch gears highest friction drag

Come on guys, let's not nit pic this, leave a little meat on the bones. Assume he raised the compression ratio a little at the time of boring (I would, I know you would), maybe a little head work, along with a cam, intake, headers, exc..

A standard 350 block does not have to be 4 bolt mains to make decent power, 365hp 327's were all 2 bolts and there are tons of them out there bring down 300+HP. Give the man a little bragging rights, 300-400Hp is a reasonable estimate for the motor. Could it be less yes, could it be more, probably not. But we don't have to insult with 100HP estimates (geeeese).

Everyone wants to feel good about themselves and what they have (no exceptions). If it has to do with disrespect, bold faced lies or safety issues, fair game have at em. When it comes to bragging rights, there’s no harm, we don’t have to shoot between the eyes. So what if we estimate a little on the high side of the horse power curve, or show someone how to get the sound they want from their motor even when it goes against the rules. This sport is about having fun and enjoying friendships. We don’t have to make anyone feel bad or foolish. Remember this the next time your wife asks you if this dress makes her look fat!

All I’m saying is be kind, it’s so easy.

Sooooooooooooooooo-Here I sit by my computer---------answering questions about something to make someone feel good--I hope that he can keep in mind that I'm taking a break fron notching the bottom of a BBC to clear a 4.750 stroke crankshaft to make a 632 for a mudder truck that has to be also finish machined and balanced in time to dyno tune before first big race late in May. I could send him a copy of the dyno sheet on that and he can show it to his friends?????????

Or--------I can give a safe, reasonable estimate on what he has said he has---------unless he didn't tell us if it was a pull threw or blow thru carb and running at 20 lbs boost???????

From what he said he had--I'll stick by my estimate-and reasons for my numbers--------I hate dynos, love LOW ET awards and RECORDS-----plus winner circle pics!!!!!!!!!(Never has one of my own engines been on a dyno)

However-----my oldest son has been doing dyno tunes/builds on all kind of stuff plus is working at a place that has 9 dyno cells doing development work for the OEM factories plus the aftermarket------

Yep, the most important comment here was " if you enjoy driving and are happy with the sound, performance etc of your car, why worry about the HP ." But as mentioned, if not and thinking of how to get better figures, then the guys need a lot more information as it is only guess work otherwise. Eg. how long is that piece of string.

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Sooooooooooooooooo-Here I sit by my computer---------answering questions about something to make someone feel good--

I got nothin'

Jerry, is that 632 done yet?