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redline?

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Koldei

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I've a '48 that has a chevy 350 in it.
this is where i suck it up and state i know little about the engine.
but would love to be pointed at resources.

one thing that I'd really like to know is a safe highway RPM
she commutes daily, and with the original tranny and rear, doesn't take much to wind'er up good

any knowledgeable guesses?

thanks,
Robert
 
HELLO ROBERT,

GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU.
AS FOR GOOD RESOURCES, THE CONFERENCE FOR 47-54 PICKUPS IS A GREAT PLACE TO HEAR FROM OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VINTAGE TRUCK. I KNOW THE QUESTION YOU ARE ASKING HAS BEEN A TOPIC OF CONCERN FOR OTHER OWNERS IN THIS FORUM AS WELL AS THE OTHERS THAT SPAN THE OTHER YEARS.
RATHER THAN BE REDUNDANT WITH AN ANSWER I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID IN THE OTHER FORUMS.
IF YOU WANT TO FIGURE OUT THE SAFE RPM FOR DRIVING GO TO THE WEB SITE TITLED "carmath.com" THEY HAVE A CALCULATOR THAT WILL HELP YOU.

GOOD THINGS.

BRANT
 
thanks,

i was unable to open your suggested URL, but I'll try again.

my truck might be a bit older, but it has a newer Chevy 350 V8
('67-71???) era I assume. I've been having a very hard time finding info/specs on the engine.

the high gear (1:1) and rear end (4.56:1) combined with my 265/70/R16
Tires allow me to do about 60MPH @ 3000RPM

but that seems about as much as i can get out of her

I'd assume the "redline" might be ~3200-3300.
can't help feeling i shouldn't be keeping at ~ 2700 fo r extended drives.

any thoughts?
 
I would say that a safe redline for a STOCK smallblock chevy is around 5000 R.P.M.
after that the valves will start to float on you (BAD)
They will spin higher, but I am kinda conservative I like to work on things when I Want to not because they broke and I have to fix it too get to work.

smallblock 400's have a lot weaker cranks.. I wouldn't turn one past 4000 r.p.m myself.
hope it helps.
Eugene
 
even though it is safe,, I would think about changing out your rearend to a better gear ratio... I just put in 3:08 on my 76 blazer mainly because I don't off-road that much.. I am cruising at 65 mph at around 2000 rpm... if you need to tow with it might go with 3:42 or 3:73 gear ratio... No big rush...but if you ever get around to changing it you will get a huge improvement in gas milage..not to mention a lot quieter ride, and your engine will last longer,,,
hope this eases your mind...
eugene
 
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