Why does Mopar Muscle always say things like "in 1972 the horsepower of the 440 dropped to a measely 280 hp".  Don't they know that also in this year the rating system changed from gross to net horsepower, which resulted in a further drop (on paper) of about 50hp. So as a true comparison when using the same scale as 1971, the actual power output of a 440 in 1972 was about 330hp, which is not such a significant drop. If this magazine doesn't know about a fundamental thing like this, then they don't have much credibility in my book.  

Are you refering to a specific article? If so which one. I assure you that on the technical side of Mopar Muscle we're certainly aware that the OEMs changed their method of rating horsepower from gross to SAE net (basically the difference between engine dyno, and chassis dyno numbers), one of the reasons was of course to keep the insurance companies from charging a premium for high-powered cars.

I guess the writers here also assume that our astute readers know about this change as well, so describing it each time we write about a car isn't necessary.  

article on this site - 1972 dodoge charger rallye - rallye round the rallye.  Have read this type of stuff many times in this mag.  Mopar Action will always say something like "although hp dropped to 280 in 72, part of this was attributable to changed rating scale".  Also, SAE is not the difference between engine dyno and chassis dyno - it relates to engine with all pulley accessories attached as opposed to bare engine.  

Also in 1972 a 340 is rated at 240 hp from 275 hp the year b4. I BELEIVE THE 71 340 to have at least 35 hp more than a 72 or 73 340. Jon  

hmmm. it takes nearly 100 horsepower to run an alternator and power steering pump?  

my bad, compression did drop, still, 50hp?  

Water pump included under SAE too - significant resitance here as well.  Does seem like a lot of HP but my understanding is that it relates to this sort of stuff - not drive train - engine only (p'haps exhaust as well??) - it all adds up  

My understanding was Gross = engine dyno, typically no accesories other than water pump, open exhaust, no air cleaner required. Net = engine dyno with full exhaust, all intake plumbing and all accesories as it would appear in the car. If this is not correct, could somebody please clarify?
Thanks!  

All I know is that my slant has like zero power, doesn't matter if it was built after '72... 1/4 mile times are usually in the week and a half index... 0-60 takes atleast 7 miles with a strong tailwind..  

I think you're probably spot on there KMULK1.  But the main point is that the 440 did not drop 100hp between 1971 and 1972 so would this magazine please stop implying that it did!!!!!  

Your right, but there was indeed a drive to drop h.p. numbers driven by the insurance industry and government.
I don`t think anyone is implying that your 1972 is less of a motor than a 71. They are all great, and when comparing apples and apples your 72 is just as good a motor.
I currently have a 74 360 which for yrs. was considered a joke motor by the 340 crowd and many magazines. Well the joke is on them, this street motor runs 12.6`s and its in a b-body.
When I ran a mighty 340 I couldn`t break the 12`s in the same car.
I have learned that Hype regarding factory engine specs is nothing more than words to sell or drive up the price of a product. Barrett Jackson auctions does this as well as anybody.
So if you have a 72 up car, ignore their ignorance and enjoy your cars, more and more of us are realizing that the 70`s were as great as the 60`s, there was just a little less of it to go around thanks to the insurance industry, in fact with the better handling and brakes of the 70`s cars, they might be considered a better overall vehicle than a comparable 60`s muscle car.  

I wouldn't get my panties in a wad over hp figures, that's all they are, figures. I've got a copy of a Motors manuel from '72, it has figures for the '72 440 6bbl. 330 net hp, the compression is the same from '71. 330hp would be fairly accurate through an auto trans, they say no 4spds were available.
The main thing is...forget what they say it is, enjoy your car. Dave