would anyone know what the horsepower would be on a 72 ss 454, how many might have been built,4 spd, with cowl hood?????????

According to, Chevrolet by the numbers 1970-75............1972 Chevelle 454 [W code] - 270hp....

well thanks, I've decided to let this one go anyway, but still looking for a driver.

Ernie, what are you up to now. I knew you were going to buy another Velle!

welll you know me, I always looking for something, but have made up mind it is going to be another Chevelle, but which one is beyond me.

According to, Chevrolet by the numbers 1970-75............1972 Chevelle 454 [W code] - 270hp....

270 HP is the rating given by GM to the 1972 LS5 454.
However, the 1972 LS5 is IDENTICAL in every respect (cam, jetting, etc.) to the 1971 LS5. And the 1971 LS5 was rated by GM at 365 HP. The downgrade in 1972 came partly due to the change from "gross" ratings to the "SAE" rating system. But rating system aside, the 1972 ratings were intentionally low-balled even further by GM as a reaction to higher insurance costs. So the 1972 motors have had an un-deserved bad rap in the muscle car market.

270 HP is the rating given by GM to the 1972 LS5 454.
However, the 1972 LS5 is IDENTICAL in every respect (cam, jetting, etc.) to the 1971 LS5. And the 1971 LS5 was rated by GM at 365 HP. The downgrade in 1972 came partly due to the change from "gross" ratings to the "SAE" rating system. But rating system aside, the 1972 ratings were intentionally low-balled even further by GM as a reaction to higher insurance costs. So the 1972 motors have had an un-deserved bad rap in the muscle car market.
Man, am I glad you posted this, I will have to print this & show it to a few buddies to settle an argument.:thumbsup:

270 HP is the rating given by GM to the 1972 LS5 454.
However, the 1972 LS5 is IDENTICAL in every respect (cam, jetting, etc.) to the 1971 LS5. And the 1971 LS5 was rated by GM at 365 HP. The downgrade in 1972 came partly due to the change from "gross" ratings to the "SAE" rating system. But rating system aside, the 1972 ratings were intentionally low-balled even further by GM as a reaction to higher insurance costs. So the 1972 motors have had an un-deserved bad rap in the muscle car market.

Dan, would the same hold true for the 402 LS3?

Thanks!
Mike

But rating system aside, the 1972 ratings were intentionally low-balled even further by GM as a reaction to higher insurance costs.This is half of the reason I traded in my 1970 SS 454 LS5 in 1972 I was paying nearly $500 yr back then and had companies refuse to insure the car even though I had a clean driving record. Some just would NOT insure performance cars and those that did, wanted a high price. The other, was the big jump in gas prices. Made it very costly to drive a 10mpg car 500-1000 miles week to work. It sat on the Chevy dealers lot for over a year or more before they finally got rid of it. The gas price situation back then was like today, vehicles with bad mpg did not sell.

Dan, would the same hold true for the 402 LS3?

Thanks!
Mike

Yes, 1971 and 1972 LS3 motors are physically identical.