What is the '74 Chevy Nova Horsepower?

[Zach B]

I have a 1974 Chevy Nova which has a 350 cu in 5.7 litre engine and I was wondering what the horsepower of the car was. I haven't had a chance to do a 1/4 mile speed test to determine it myself, so I need some help. Also, for a side question, what is the horsepower of a camaro and chevelle of around the same year. Whether you can answer all or one, answers are appreciated.

 

[Steve from PA]

The beauty of the old cars isn't so much the go fast thing..hell u can tweak a Yugo to run past a Ferrari if u wanna spend the money..but the nostalgia of a great american big block boulevard cruiser. Compared 2 today's standards the V8s were underpowered and heavy. Horsepower in those days were measured in gross not net. so a 455 rocket sounds nice but equated to 15sec 1/4 mile numbers. Things started to change with the birth of smaller lighter cars like the nova..then the gas problems of the 70s kicked in and just about killed the the american V8. Real Detroit muscle didn't show its face until 1985 with rebirth of the Grand National, and that was 6cylinder.

 

[junior]

Chevyraceman has the right answers. I have owned a '74 Nova 350 for 25 years. Stock with a 2 bbl was 145 horsepower. If the Nova is completely stock with a 2 bbl carb, it will run the 1/4 mile in about 16.5 seconds at around 75 mph. 25 years later, mine has about 450 HP and runs 12.30's at 111 mph. Not nearly fast enough for that amount of time.