73 wasnt that around the time all the muscle cars saw a decrease in hp

 

technically, around that time the muscle cars didnt see a loss in horsepower, but the government began requiring horsepower numbers to be tested under full load, with things like AC, power steering, the alt., etc...while there was some hit in the early 1970s from the "new emissions laws", the change in horsepower rating standards hurt the numbers...however, in most cases, the actual drop in power was minimal as compared to the same engine tested the previous way...it just proved less bhp under load.

 

yea, gross hp began to be measured by todays net standard in '72...

for instance,, the '71 Boss 351 was measured at 330,,
in '72, the R Code 351 was essentially a carry over, that was slightly detuned, and was only rated at 272ish i believe...

our '72 Q Code (which is the 4V Cleveland, but not the boss carry over) is 266/301

stock for stock, based on JUST the numbers. 266/301 is a good race for a 99-04GT with 260/302

but a 71-73 mustang isnt incredibly light either. and im not sure what our rear end is, never been courageous enough to go looking

just have fun, i'd love to race my dads car but know it will never happen

 

You should beat him no prob.