I'm sure you've already seen this, but if not, please take a look at the torque and horsepower curve for a 1968 292...the year picked at random (page 85):
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/do...hevrolet-Trucks/1968-Chevrolet-Truck.pdfMy goodness, gross torque (around 270) tops out at what...16~1700 rpm and runs pretty much on a plateau from around 1300 until 2400 rpm? Not bad in stock condition.