nickd

Are the horsepower ratings true or not? The older 455 ratings seem right but did they rate the newer ones(72-76) @3000 rpm? What were the actual ratings @ 5000 rpm?

72 cutlass455

Most of the engines were purposely rated below the actual hp and torque to ensure they could meet the stated rating posted for them.

zed

Wasn't it from '71 on that they started rating them in net HP? As opposed to gross HP.

72 cutlass455

They differ from car to car but will be in the stated ratings. They truly mean nothing as the only measurement that counts is how many you are putting on the road and can only get rear wheel hp and torque from a dyno.

72 cutlass455

http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofeng.htm#ENG 1964 - 1990 Engine Performance does not say when there system was changed.

MN71W30

If you do the math. My 68 W30 was rated at 360 HP it ran a 13.9@97MPH on a perfect day, it's closer to 325 HP. If a 70 98 Olds had 365 HP it should run in the low 14's, they might run a mid 15 sec 1/4 mile at best.
Some motors were closer than others.

nickd

The 98 was alot heavier tho wasn't it. Did they rate them @ 3000 RPM because of insurance in the 70's?

redoldsman

It was 1972 when they changed the way horsepower was rated. If I remember correctly, it was rated off the back of the transmission with a closed air cleaner and exhaust.

Bluevista

According to the article in the link below the early "gross" ratings were taken with a basically bare engine with open headers and optimized timing. The later "net" ratings were acquired with all the accessories and exhaust in place, stock ignition timing. Both were taken at the flywheel with the engine on a test stand.
The HP numbers weren't written in stone, that's for sure. Just about whatever they needed them to do they did.

http://ateupwithmotor.com/terms-and-...orsepower.html

J-(Chicago)

68-76 Olds 455 HP rating: Not enough.

citcapp

Is there such a thing as to much hp. Me thinks not

MudEye

That car looks like a big mouth bass........

Tedd Thompson

Look at the date on his post, RIP Pat. This always makes me sad when a post comes up on a lost friend..... Tedd

Gary M

unintentional but ironic. So many old threads get resurected. Inevitable I guess.

midnightleadfoot

It happens when a person uses the search ..




Forum banter
" used search" gets reply this thread id 2-3-4-8 years old


"post a thread" gets reply use the search, it's been covered..




lol

oldsmobiledave

'71 saw both Gross & Net hp ratings, '72 & newer were Net only.

MudEye

Much Apologies......Was just browsing.....No intended offense...But it looks like a big mouth Bass! I'm sure He knew that! What a great car! Why kill an old thread? I'm trying to turn on as many young folk as possible to the olden days, olden cars, and those pictures are classic! You should be happy.....cause I am...for the pictures and the thread!

MudEye

Sorry ....but you know what......The old threads are good!.....I love reading them! I am not so good as to navigate thru the new ones.....I love reading the old threads.... I have learned so much........

olds 307 and 403

Some pass on, which is sad, others like J- Chicago just disappeared.

Kennybill

Reviving old threads isn't a bad thing. It gives one a chance to reflect on former members. In some cases you never know if they passed away or just moved on from Oldsmobiles. The threads topic still sparks interest today after all these years. Let's hope the next time this thread gets renewed someone's not asking what happened to one of us.

VinMichael

I hope to finish my car before I pass away. Everything seems to want to get in the way of getting it to where I want it.

brownbomber77

Yeah....actually...where did he go...?