I run a stock '49 216 in my '53 with stock three speed and 4.11 rear. I usually run 57-60 mph(verified by GPS) on the high-way for up to an hour at a time. My tires are 265/70/17s so that helps.
Last week I trailered my new '54 1/2 ton home with my '53 and that little 216 pulled the load 15 miles to my house without a sweat, holding 57 mph on the flats.
My respect for these engines grows by the day.
