why could early 360s run with 250 plus HP stock?

A stock HP 360 (1974-75) will make 240 honest horse power. This is what I like about the 360, it responds well to bolt ons. Even though its a low comp engine, it makes good torque & will run off pump gas. I ran one in a Chrysler 5TH Avenue, built to the E58 specs, headers, Thermoquad carb, true 2 1/4 daul exhaust, stock convertor & 904 trans., 2:94 suregrip 8 1/4 rear end. This car wieghed in at 4100 LBS. It ran 14.80's! That comes to 249.96 Horse Power at the rear wheels! Now the 360 does respond real well to a set of zero deck pistons. It just depends on what you are gonna use it for.