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Classic/Antique Car Repair/HP ratings for older motors?

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Expert: - 4/18/2011


Question
Hi Brad,
I've had a few old cars in my day and I know how many cubic inches the motors were in those cars,but I never did find out the factory horse power of the motors.Can you tell me the HP ratings of these motors? 1955 Cadillac,331cuin ,1955 Ford,292cuin ,1964 Grand prix pontiac 389cuin, 1969 Camero,427cuin, 1979 Camero z28 350cuin and last 1966 chevy super sport 283cuin.I would really appreciate any help. Thank you, John.

Answer
1955 Cadillac,331cuin 250 HP for the passenger cars and the Eldorardo was 270 hp.

1955 Ford,292cuin The 292 was the Thunderbird engine and the standard transmission cars were 193 hp and with automatic 198 hp.

1964 Grand prix pontiac 389cuin 296 hp with a 2 barrel carburetor and either 303 with the 4 barrel and 330 with the three 2 barrel carburetors.

1969 Camero,427cuin. There are three diffent hp's listed, 335, 390, and 400.

1979 Camero z28 350cuin 175 hp.   

1966 chevy super sport 283cuin 220 hp with a 4 barrel carburetor.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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