Re: IML: 71 Imp Hp

["A. Foster" <monkeypuzzle1@xxxxxxx>]

Just one correction to make;

  Catalytic converters weren't installed on any cars prior to 1974, EGR's, Air pumps, and various gadgets to alter ignition timing were added. Vapor recovery stuff was added as well but most seems to be harmless as long as the plumbing is good. Catalytic converters were developed by G.M and were actually a blessing at the time in that they could tune up the engines more to improve horsepower and fuel economy while keeping emissions down. Interestingly enough the lean burn cars didn't use a Cat converter in the early years as they already exceeded emission standards, at least 49 state cars, and improved gas mileage, while they worked.

  What you mention bellow is essentially true. Contrary to what many documentaries claim it wasn't the Arab oil embargo that killed the American muscle cars it was the smog laws, and the insurance companies that killed them. High performance was already dead and buried long before the Yom Kipper war. The same engine from 1968 lost 15% of its power and 20%-25% of its gas mileage, in real terms, by 1972 thanks to legislated government stupidity. If the Feds had given Detroit ten years to revamp their engine designs instead of mandating patch jobs like EGR's and Air pumps the North American auto industry would have been better for it. Thankfully, due to the aftermarket suppliers, we can convert a smog era motor to pre smog standards of economy and performance, even install a six pack in the 71' leBaron if it will fit under the hood.

Best Regards

Arran Foster

1954 Imperial Newport

Needing A Left Side Tailight Bezel and other trim parts.

1975 Chrysler Newport

No EGR, or Smog Pump, Or Cat.

----- Original Message -----

From: ChiPieAlandPaula@xxxxxxx

To: mailing-list@imperial ; club.com@xxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 12:07 PM

Subject: IML: 71 Hp

Hello All,
As I remember it, the reason for the net horsepower was not so that the government could help the consumer to really understand engine output. It was because the insurance companies were on the manufacturers for making cars that had the ability to go from 0 to 60 in well under 7 seconds. They were refusing to insure Hemi Chargers and 6 pack 440's. Also you must remember that 71 was the year for the now infamous cataylitic? converter and Chryslers air pump system.  I am not saying that the government may have not given this as a statement of purpose - just that the reality was simply money.
Incidently, the 73 Imperial was rated at 235hp. Both the 71 and 73 had plenty of grunt.
                                               Allan from Billings, Montana