How much horsepower does a 1974 Chevy Nova 350 have?

In brief, the 1974 Nova's 350 cubic-inch V8 delivered roughly 150 to 180 horsepower in SAE net ratings, depending on carburetion and emissions equipment.

Context: 1974 Nova and its 350 V8 options

During the 1974 model year, Chevrolet offered the 350 small-block V8 in the Nova as a mid-range performance option, with two-barrel and four-barrel configurations. Emissions regulations and the industry-wide switch to SAE net horsepower ratings affected published figures.

Horsepower by carburetor configuration

These ranges reflect typical factory outputs for the 350 V8 in the 1974 Nova, measured as SAE net horsepower.

• 2-barrel 350 V8: approximately 145–165 hp net


• 4-barrel 350 V8: approximately 165–180 hp net

Across most 1974 Nova builds, the 350 V8 managed to provide solid mid-range performance for the era, with the four-barrel setup offering the higher end of the range.

Context and performance considerations

Engine output in 1974 was influenced by the shift to emissions-conscious tuning, exhaust restrictions, and the adoption of different intake and exhaust equipment that reduced horsepower compared with earlier, pre-emissions examples. The choice of transmission and final drive ratio also shaped acceleration and feel, even if peak horsepower didn't change dramatically.

What to verify for a specific car

To know the exact horsepower rating for a particular Nova, check the engine code, option package, and the original window sticker or build sheet to identify whether the car has the two- or four-barrel 350 and what emission equipment was installed.

Summary

The 1974 Chevy Nova with a 350 small-block typically delivered 150–180 hp in SAE net terms, with the 2-barrel version toward the lower end and the 4-barrel version toward the higher end. Exact horsepower depends on the vehicle’s carburetor, exhaust, and emission configurations, making precise numbers vary by individual car.

How much horsepower does a 350 Nova have?

One of the smallest muscle cars ever fielded by Detroit, the Nova SS now included a 295 hp (220 kW) 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 engine along with a heavy-duty suspension and other performance hardware, priced at US$312.

How much is a 74 Nova worth today?

The value of a 1974 Nova varies widely, from a few thousand dollars for a project car to over $20,000 for a well-maintained or modified example. A good condition 1974 Nova SS is typically valued around $15,200, but high-end examples with desirable options can fetch over $22,000, while cars needing extensive work may be worth much less.
 
Factors that influence value

• Condition: The car's overall condition, including rust, original paint, and interior, is the biggest factor in determining its value. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage cars generally command higher prices. 
• Engine and performance: A stock engine, or a well-done performance upgrade like a big block V8, will affect the price. 
• Model and options: The "SS" (Super Sport) and "Spirit of America" are more desirable and valuable trim levels. 

Examples of 1974 Nova values 

• Project/Poor condition: A car needing extensive work, such as a "barn find" that sold for $1,500$ 1 comma 500$1,500 for the owner's benefit, can be worth much less than the market average. 
• Average condition: A 1974 Nova SS in good condition with average specifications is valued around $15,200$ 15 comma 200$15,200. 
• Good condition/average retail: J.D. Power lists the average retail price for a 1974 Nova 2 Door Coupe at $9,450$ 9 comma 450$9,450. 
• High-end/excellent condition: Excellent examples with desirable features and a solid history can be worth over $22,000$ 22 comma 000$22,000. 
• Special editions: The 1974 Spirit of America Nova has a price range of about $11,210$ 11 comma 210$11,210 to $26,176$ 26 comma 176$26,176. 
• Modified examples: Prices can go up to or above $30,000$ 30 comma 000$30,000 for heavily modified vehicles with performance upgrades, like the $25,900$ 25 comma 900$25,900 example with a big block 454 engine and 4-speed transmission. 

How much horsepower does a 1974 Chevy 350 have?

In 1974, a Chevy 350 engine had a range of horsepower options from 145 hp to 195 hp, depending on the vehicle and specific configuration. The base passenger car version with a two-barrel carburetor produced 162 hp, while an upgraded four-barrel version produced 180 hp. The Corvette offered a more powerful L48 350 at 195 hp and the high-performance L82 at 250 hp.
 
Engine options and horsepower ratings for the 1974 Chevy 350:

• Base passenger car (two-barrel carburetor): 162 hp
• Upgraded passenger car (four-barrel carburetor, \"Power Pack\"): 180 hp
• Corvette (L48): 195 hp
• Corvette (L82): 250 hp
• Nova (L65): 145 hp
• Nova (LM1): 160 hp 

Note: Horsepower ratings from this era are not always directly comparable to modern standards due to changes in testing and emissions regulations.

How much horsepower does a 1974 Nova 350 have?

185hp
L48 – Turbo-Fire 350 | 350ci | 185hp V8.