"Prior to the 1972 model year American automakers rated their engines in
terms of SAE gross horsepower (defined under SAE standards J245 and J1995).
Gross hp was measured using a blueprinted test engine running on a stand
without accessories, air cleaner, mufflers, or emissions control devices and
sometimes fitted with long tube "test headers" in lieu of the OEM exhaust
manifolds. The atmospheric correction standard (e.g. barometric pressure,
humidity and temperature) that was utilized in obtaining the Gross ratings
was more idealistic than that which is used under the SAE net rating system.
The resulting Gross power (and torque) figures therefore reflected a
maximum, theoretical value and not the power of an installed engine in a
street car. Gross horsepower figures were also subject to considerable
adjustment by the manufacturer's advertising and marketing staff under the
direction of product managers. The power ratings of mass-market engines were
often exaggerated beyond their actual Gross output, while those of the
highest-performance muscle car engines often tended to be closer in actual
output to their advertised, Gross ratings...Because SAE gross ratings were
applied liberally, at best, there is no precise conversion from gross to
net. Comparison of gross and net ratings for unchanged engines shows a
variance of anywhere from 40 to 150 horsepower."
Source: Wikipidia.
220 gross hp as stated by Chevrolet vs. 169 NET hp. for the 2008 as stated
by Chevrolet. While no true conversion exists, zero to sixty times prove
relevant as the vehicles weights are about the same at about 3000 lbs. in
1966 vs 3300 lbs in 2008, The zero to sixty time of the two cars gives a
true indication of comparable horsepower at the wheels. The 66 Malibu was
about 9 seconds, and the 2008 Malibu, even though heavier makes the sprint
in just over 8 seconds.
David
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ed Lindley" <lindlaw@yahoo.com>
To: "David Riker" <davriker@nwi.net>
Sent: Friday, August 29, 2008 11:37 AM
Subject: Re: [Spridgets] Was: Bad MG news from Automotive News Now: Demise
of Auto Industry
> "and its four cylinder engine produces more horsepower than the 1966
> with a 327 V-8." Splain please. How much power today, was 220+ w/2 bbl
> in 66.
> Ed in SD
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