Here's why:
* Different Carburetion: The 440 Magnum came with different carburetor options, including 2-barrel and 4-barrel setups. This significantly affected horsepower.
* "Horsepower Wars" Era: The 1970s saw a shift away from high horsepower figures due to fuel economy regulations and insurance costs. The 440 Magnum's horsepower was intentionally reduced in some models.
* Specific Model & Options: Whether it was a base Charger, SE, or R/T would also impact the engine's output.
To find the exact horsepower for your 1973 Dodge Charger, you need to:
1. Identify the specific model: Is it a base Charger, SE, R/T, or another trim level?
2. Determine the carburetor configuration: Was it a 2-barrel or a 4-barrel setup?
3. Check the VIN number: The vehicle identification number will tell you the specific engine code and options, which can help identify the exact horsepower.
Once you have this information, you can find the horsepower rating in:
* Original sales brochures or owner's manuals: These documents should provide the horsepower for that specific model year and configuration.
* Online resources: Websites like Hemmings and the Dodge Charger Registry often have information about specific model years and engine configurations.
By taking these steps, you can accurately determine the horsepower of your 1973 Dodge Charger with a 440 Magnum engine.
