Brakes and steering always come first. Most of my driving is rural, under 30 mph but sometimes I go to town on a two lane,55mph road. Sure I can run at 40 but I'm not crazy at holding everybody up if I don't have to. By juggling rear end ratios and engine choices I'm just trying to find the most flexible setup. What I don't know is where each engine runs its best. 2000 rpm? 2200? 2800? The factory specs on the 216 rate net horse power @ 3100 rpm but I know I don't want to run at that speed! 50 mph with stock 5.14 gears on my truck takes 2750 rpm, while it only takes 2450 rpm with the 4.57 gears used in the 3/4 ton. Is 2450rpm a realistic, long life engine speed for a good 216? How about for a 235? That's what I'm trying to figure out.
