470 hp rating question.

mr 88

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Nov 3, 2010
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Looking at a couple of them and one, 89 3.7xl, is listed at 180hp the other is maybe 84 ,188hp. They are both 4 barrels,so did they change there rating system or is there a actual difference in them. The original being 170,how many other variations of hp did they make or is that it,170,180 and 188 [ if in fact there is a difference in the last two] ??
 

stonyloam

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Mar 13, 2009
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Re: 470 hp rating question.

Yeah there are a lot LOL. Basically ya got two barrels and 4 barrels, and you have older style pre-1984 engines and newer style post-84 engines. The early engines had 3" heat exchangers, while the newer style engines have a 4" HE and a larger rectangular shaped antifreeze reservoir on the exhaust elbow. As far as the engines go, aside from a few minor differences they are all the same. The HP difference is from the 4 barrel vs 2 barrel carbs. As near as can tell there is not any significant differences mechanically between any of the 4 barrel models. It may be just that somehow they were rated differently. The 89 would be the best choice assuming they are in similar condition. Has all of the improvements plus the aluminum exhaust manifold. I have a 87, 165 HP.
 
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