216/235/261 RPM's For cruising , 3,000 is the sweet spot . Revving it higher as you're accelerating up through the gears is fine , just don't expect it to last long if you exceed 3,200 RPM's unless you're going to up shift soon .
So Then....... Tune it sharpish , adjust the valves , HOT CHANGE the oil & filter remembering it likes and needs thin oils then go DRIVE AND ENJOY IT ~ you'll soon discover why CHEVROLET was for decades the most popular truck in America ~ it's a cheap truck yes but very peppy and easy / fun to drive when everything's properly adjusted , evn in your wheezy old worn out engine that smokes badly .
" Target Lubrication " Right about the same , assuming you're using good quality oils and the oil pan isn't dented in as that affects the aim of the oiling nozzles . In general , any long stroke engine (babbit pounder or pressure lubed) will hum right along well @ 3,000 RPM's , if it's properly tuned , even a worn out 216 only needs 1/2 throttle or LESS to make this RPM / speed on a level road in top gear . I can't remember ever blowing a rod on a 216 although I well remember nursing knocking 216's for many years of daily use......
