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I have read in past threads of how slow the mid 70's were but I am not so sure about that. I have a pretty stock engine, automatic and i can burn these tires from a stop and chirp them going into 2nd gear.Now I don't know the history of my engine I will admit other than it came out of a 1970 caprice.Is this standard for a 76 and if it is I don't know what the complaining is about.
That 70 engine will have a higher compression ratio, more torque & HP. Could be a, 300 or 350 hp engine. My Grandmother bought a 70 Impala new with a 350-350hp and that car flew.
I'm with GD70. A '76 L-48 had all of 180 hp. Mine's stock & it can chirp in second. But not until I put a shift kit in it.........
When I got my '76 it only had 60K miles on it. But wow what a MUTT it was! Sounded like the valves were floating at 4,000 and off the line it was a real stinker. Body was clean though, and all she needed was a motor & interior. Did 'em both and no complaints.
My '76 is stock and can spin the tires, but it's a 4 speed manual. I don't think I've ever squealed them while shifting into 2nd though. I don't really consider my car to be much of performance machine to be blunt. I bought is because I liked the style and it is in original condition.
If I had bought the car in the late 80's or early 90's...I would have yanked out the engine before I ran through the first tank of gas. I'm a little older now and am starting to appreciate cars that are in original condition so I can experience the cars the way they were when they first were sold.
I think just about any small block from 1970 will have a bit more power than the '76 engines. Enjoy your car!
When I first bought my 76, I thought that power was not that important, but I'm getting ready to purchase a 350 block and try my hand at building an engine. I have engine builders at work that are more than willing to guide me over any problems I have. I agree that the stock engine is a dog!!!
My '76 is stock and can spin the tires, but it's a 4 speed manual. I don't think I've ever squealed them while shifting into 2nd though. I don't really consider my car to be much of performance machine to be blunt. I bought is because I liked the style and it is in original condition.
If I had bought the car in the late 80's or early 90's...I would have yanked out the engine before I ran through the first tank of gas. I'm a little older now and am starting to appreciate cars that are in original condition so I can experience the cars the way they were when they first were sold.
I think just about any small block from 1970 will have a bit more power than the '76 engines. Enjoy your car!
A Bit? 140 HP more for the 70 base engine is quite a difference!