We have all been scammed!! Or at least I have... That is to say, that I personally only just found out that advertised horsepower and torque numbers are measured at the ENGINE instead of at the WHEELS. To me this is a big disappointment because it throws off everything I thought I knew about comparing one vehicle to another in terms of power. Also, more specifically I have always wanted to build up an engine and truck and get it dyno-ed and see how much I improved the power compared to what that vehicle was supposed to make when it was new and stock. So essentially without pulling my engine and getting just it dyno-ed I would never know how to compare my built engines power with the advertised power of that engine. And even then it wouldn't be a very helpful comparison because those numbers (power numbers at the ENGINE) don't really mean anything in the real world.

*takes deep breath after long winded rant*

Posted this in the Bronco Forums too but it seems like a performance thread too now.

Anyway, I guess I am just ranting and/or wondering if anyone knows the original/stock power ratings at the WHEELS of a 79 Bronco (the vehicle in question) with the 400 and a standard tranny? if not then give me something to daydream about/compare my numbers with by sharing YOUR dyno numbers (at the wheels obviously haha) on your trucks! Hey, would you look at that; I kind of ended this on a fun note!

 

I do know that the 400M when introduced in 1971 was rated at 250 HP. Due to emission controls added in later years by 1979 I would bet that it made no more the 200 HP. By then the 400M was a truck only engine and tuned for low end power which added to the lower power figure.
Most HP number you read about now are all "at the flywheel" numbers and sometimes measured without the engine accessories like PS, Alt. AC, etc. Which all use some power. Most "at the wheels" power numbers would be 15-25% less than the "advertised" numbers.

 

Also have to take into account auto or stick? Stall converters mess with the numbers also............besides we dont race dynos........