Re: Actual HP for an L-78
As delivered from the factory there certainly wasn't much to brag about. The leaned out carb and slow advance curve, set up for emissions, really killed the performance. Low 15s and high 14s weren't uncommon. The rectangular port heads and relatively mild cam probably didn't help things either. Those heads need a lot of air flow to be effective. With some tuning, perhaps 325-330 at the wheels. There is more to be had if all the tricks are applied. A friend's L78 Chevelle, with a lot more cam and lots of little tricks ran 11.70s, so the potential is there. Put it on a chassis dyno and run it down the track. That will give you the best numbers. The track has the final say.
As a side note, the driver has a lot to do with the ET. A good driver versus a bad one can make a big difference in how well a car ETs.
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Chevelleless after 46 years......but we did find a low mileage, six speed, silver 2005 Corvette. It will just have to do for now.
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