coworker was talking about a car he had "back in the day"

didn't know the specifics of what the mods were but kindda generalized it


1978 trans am 6.6l engine, 4spd manual

mods:
alum hi rise manifold with manual 4bbl carb
hi lift cam
headers and dual exhaust (no cats)

assuming he started at 225...so he says...and the cam was a decent one...say 230 deg...stock heads...

estimated 300-325hp and a crap load of torque...

he insistes it was near 400hp. i think that is a bit hopefull with stock smog heads.

wha chu guyz tink??

 

some info i found on the motor stock:

W72
400ci
8.1 comp
220hp@4000
320@2800


i think stock compression being so LOW will really hinder hp...even with a decent cam

 

I'm thinking 300 and the torque left town with the 230 cam and 8-1 compression.

 

Can't tell for sure... but I'd guess about 325hp.... give or take 25. I'm pretty sure the W72 had 6X-4's, I know they had 6X's... but 6X-4's would put the compression at a bit above 8:1

 

there is no way to make hp without a decent compression ratio. i know that blown or supercharged engines like a low raito but naturaly aspirated engines are nothing more than a woshing air pump with low compression. remember that winston cup car has about 14 to 1

 

Big cam with low compression, and stock heads = low HP numbers

 

I agree with everyone here... you'll notice though that my set-up is very similar to the one you posted about.
The thing with 6X heads is they are awesome when you up the compression... they can be milled considerably and that combined with decking the block can yield up to a 9.5:1 compression ratio.
They already have 2.11" and 1.77" valves... and flow great.. so if he had said he put in a bit of head work too I would believe his 400hp number.