Corvette Small Block Power Chart
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Texas
Corvette Small Block Power Chart
I just noticed an interesting graph at CorvetteBlogger.Com. It is a GM graph that shows advertised horsepower for all Corvette small-block engines. Wow, since 1996 output has really increased dramatically.
Be aware that the graph is clearly labelled "advertised horsepower". Comparing the pre-1972 output figures with the later ones is erroneous in regard to actually comparing "real" output. Remove ~80 horsepower from the pre-72 (SAE Gross) horsepower figures so that you can compare apples to apples.
Here is a link to the graph:
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/index...ough-the-Years
-Clark
Be aware that the graph is clearly labelled "advertised horsepower". Comparing the pre-1972 output figures with the later ones is erroneous in regard to actually comparing "real" output. Remove ~80 horsepower from the pre-72 (SAE Gross) horsepower figures so that you can compare apples to apples.
Here is a link to the graph:
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/index...ough-the-Years
-Clark
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
The '81's had the lowest available HP of any year. That might explain why mine was so cheap to begin with.
Well, that and everything needing to be rebuilt or replaced. The great thing about an SBC is that you are only limited by your wallet if you want to make that HP number grow.
Well, that and everything needing to be rebuilt or replaced. The great thing about an SBC is that you are only limited by your wallet if you want to make that HP number grow.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
There was little difference between any 'base' small block Corvette engines from 1971-1982. The biggest differences are due to the HP/torque rating, depending on what rating system was used (SAE-gross vs. SAE-net) and what rpm was selected to measure the "rated HP". Many of those years had base engines that produced significantly higher HP/torque numbers; but you had to crank it beyond the paltry level of RPM selected by the factory for its ratings. This was all due to the insurance industry playing "hard ball" with regard to high power-to-weight ratio production cars and the EPA's entrance into this venue. All 350 cu. in. Chevy engines can be upgraded easily; or they can just be enhanced by optimizing what you already have with simple distributor and carb work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
I just noticed an interesting graph at CorvetteBlogger.Com. It is a GM graph that shows advertised horsepower for all Corvette small-block engines. Wow, since 1996 output has really increased dramatically.
Be aware that the graph is clearly labelled "advertised horsepower". Comparing the pre-1972 output figures with the later ones is erroneous in regard to actually comparing "real" output. Remove ~80 horsepower from the pre-72 (SAE Gross) horsepower figures so that you can compare apples to apples.
Here is a link to the graph:
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/index...ough-the-Years
-Clark
Be aware that the graph is clearly labelled "advertised horsepower". Comparing the pre-1972 output figures with the later ones is erroneous in regard to actually comparing "real" output. Remove ~80 horsepower from the pre-72 (SAE Gross) horsepower figures so that you can compare apples to apples.
Here is a link to the graph:
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/index...ough-the-Years
-Clark
