Actual HP for an L-78

[old5.0]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chevy454</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: old5.0</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would guess a showroom stock, assembly line built L78 probably made somewhere between 200-220 horse at the wheels in the real world. That said, pulling 375 to the wheels while maintaining a stock look shouldn't be hard in this day and age. </div></div>
I think that's too low...I would guess 250-300 @ the wheels, depending on the tune. Our 427/425hp did 370+ to the wheels rebuilt to as close to the way it would have arrived from the factory as possible...10.2:1 compression, didn't cut the heads/block, original crank/rods/manifolds, etc, etc. This would push our 3750lb Camaro to 106-108 mph depending on the air. </div></div>

Yeah, I could see something in the 250-260 range. My guess was completely unscientific based on personal observation.

That said, I think these engines are just begging for a custom cam. The square port BBC heads are excellent pieces that still stand up well 40+ years later. I think the power increase an otherwise stock L78 could see with only a modern, custom cam grind would be shocking.