HP gain?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
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HP gain?
The 73 454 I just bought came with coated Headmen headers and an aluminum radiator with dual SPAL electric fans. I've never owned low compression big blocks before but this car seems very strong. It feels way more than 275 hp? Stock cam, stock intake ,Q-jet no smog pump.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,915
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From: Angier nc
Even low compression BB's make a lot of torque.That is what you feel when you hit the pedal.Not knowing what has been done to the engine it is hard to say what it is making.Does it have a smooth idle?Or does it sound lumpy or racy?
There are lots of ways to improve the hp on this engine.
A stock low compression LS5 454 is a great street motor.Years ago a friend had one in a 73 camaro with 3.08 gears and it was a fun ride.Lots of torque everywhere and gave lots of built small blocks a bad night.
edit:
Doing a compression check to find out the actual cylinder pressure is a good start to what you have.
There are lots of ways to improve the hp on this engine.
A stock low compression LS5 454 is a great street motor.Years ago a friend had one in a 73 camaro with 3.08 gears and it was a fun ride.Lots of torque everywhere and gave lots of built small blocks a bad night.
edit:
Doing a compression check to find out the actual cylinder pressure is a good start to what you have.
Last edited by 96 lt-4; Jul 31, 2011 at 12:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 42
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The engine was rebuilt by the previous owner with no mods except for headers, K&N, and radiator. Very smooth idle. I ride a ZX-14 with over 200 hp at the rear tire, had many vettes from a 69 L89 to a new c6, this car seems very strong for 73 BB.
