How much power do our C3s get to the wheels??

[OBL1V1ON]

THis is just something that i have always wondered. I know that there are alot of angles from the crank to the wheels and i always wondered how much power we loose going though all that redirection of force. I have a '79 (fully indpendant suspension) and i estimating that i have around 350hp. I havent dynoed or run the car at a track so i dont know. Does anyone have some knowledge on how much power a typical c3 can get to the wheels? I guess im just looking for a percentage here....

[Glensgages]

I've heard varying figures of 20-25% HP loss thru the drive-train, but, it don't MATTER in my case: I drive a Cross-Fire!!!

(Billy Preston voice) : "Nuthin' from nuthin' leeeeeeves nuthin';
ya' gotta have sumpin', if ya' gonna be wit' me....."

[Ludigdrums]

Why should it not matter with Crossfire fuel injection?!

The only thing I know relating to what you're talking about OBL1V1ON is the fact that 1971 was the first year that they switched from gross to net horsepower ratings. Gross is supposed to be the power of the engine on a stand whereas net is supposed to be the power with the engine installed.

So, in 1979 they offered the 225 L-82 and the L-48 was 195. So, that should be what you get at the wheels. But then again, if you have a different engine in there alltogether, I don't really know what to tell ya. Thought this might help though!

- Jeremy

[Glensgages]

Originally posted by Ludigdrums
Why should it not matter with Crossfire fuel injection?!

I was just 'joking' about my Cross-Fire; others call it the 'Miss-Fire', or 'Cease-Fire'. It is 'listed' at 200 HP, but I doubt it...


Thru the '60s, HP was 'gross', as Ludigdrums stated; at the fly-wheel/flex-plate, exhaust manifolds only, no accessories (H2O pump, alt, A/C, etc).
'Net' HP is with full exhaust & accessories, where 'REAR-WHEEL HP' is just what it says; HP thru the transmission, rear-end, and out the axle-shafts.

At least this is what I've gone-by for for all these years.....

[Ludigdrums]

Ahhh, joke...I get it (a little slow...sorry ;-)

And yes, thanks for the clarification on the Rear Wheel HP. I didn't realize that it was differnent from Net. Awesome, thanks!

- Jeremy

[Flared69]

i have a 350/"350hp"

previous owner says it did about 410hp at the rear wheels... due to certain modifications

[OBL1V1ON]

Well its just that according to what some pretty experienced mechanics tune it and tell me i should have around 350hp but i just dont feel it when i hit the gas.

[Johan]

Originally posted by AussieWithFlared69
i have a 350/"350hp"

previous owner says it did about 410hp at the rear wheels... due to certain modifications

Hmm, maybe he switched to a transmission with negative loss??

[OBL1V1ON]

Well Mods i have done include:

Pro-action heads(64cc 2.02/1.60),Performer PRM intake, MSD ignition, Crane cam (lift 454 dur. 272), Holley 650 DP & fuel pump, Flowtech headers, 2.5" duals w/H-pipe, 1.65 Roller Rockers, K&N..

I just feel like it should pull a little harder than it does.

Anyway, i will have some 4.11s put in soon. So that will help a little.

[Don&Kelly]

I think all of the printed HP #'s are at the "crank" or "flywheel" vs being rear wheels numbers..
I've seen alot of talk here about stick shifts losing 15 % to the rear wheels & auto's losing 20% to the rear wheels.

Hope this helps ...

[80vette_ca]

hey OBL1V1ON
Go and download a copy of desktop dyno 2000 or newer if you can find it and put all the specs of your motor into the program and it will tell you how much HP and Torque the Engine should be making at the flywheel. It's a pretty good program and the more specific you get in the details like with the cam specs the closer the numbers will be to actual HP and Torque

[Glensgages]

Originally posted by 80vette_ca
hey OBL1V1ON
Go and download a copy of desktop dyno 2000 or newer if you can find it and put all the specs of your motor into the program and it will tell you how much HP and Torque the Engine should be making at the flywheel. It's a pretty good program and the more specific you get in the details like with the cam specs the closer the numbers will be to actual HP and Torque

You could do that, OR, just take it to the strip, which is a HELLUVA lot more fun!!!!!

[OBL1V1ON]

I guess ill do both. I might get a chance to take it to the track this friday.