How much horsepower did the 72 Nova SS have?
The most common 1972 Nova SS configuration delivered about 165 horsepower from the standard 350-cubic-inch V8. A rarer big-block option existed that produced significantly more power, but the exact figures depend on the engine and the rating method used at the time.
To understand what you’re asking, this article reviews the available powertrain options for the 1972 Nova SS and explains how horsepower was measured in the era, including the shift from gross to net ratings and the impact of emissions equipment on published numbers.
Power options for the 1972 Nova SS
The following outlines the two primary engine choices and their typical horsepower figures for the 1972 Nova SS.
- 350 cubic-inch small-block V8 (4-barrel carburetor): approximately 165 horsepower (SAE net rating in 1972).
- 402 cubic-inch big-block V8 (optional): approximately 270 horsepower (SAE net rating; exact numbers varied with exhaust, cam, and emissions equipment).
Conclusion: For most buyers, the 1972 Nova SS was a 165-horsepower car with the small-block 350 V8. A small minority were equipped with the big-block option, which offered substantially more power, reflecting the era’s performance options and the rating practices of the time.
Notes on rating methods and era
Net horsepower vs gross horsepower
During the early 1970s, Chevrolet and other manufacturers transitioned from gross (older, higher) horsepower ratings to SAE net ratings (lower). Emissions equipment and tuning also influenced the published numbers, so the same engine could show different horsepower figures in brochures, road tests, and dealership literature depending on the rating method used.
Impact on performance perception
Road-test results and consumer brochures from the period may reflect different numbers than later restorations or contemporary catalogs. When evaluating historical figures, it’s important to note which rating system was used and which engine configuration is being referenced.
Summary
The 1972 Nova SS is most commonly remembered for its 165-horsepower 350 V8 in standard form. The optional big-block 402-powered SSs delivered a higher power output, but those cars were far less common. Overall, horsepower figures from this era vary by engine option and by whether numbers were cited using SAE gross or SAE net ratings, underscoring the flurry of changes in American automotive performance reporting at the time.
