When I was in college, I ran a 1958 Chevy Del Ray coupe with a 235, a 3 speed, a 3.70 rear end, and 14" tires. I had no trouble keeping up with traffic on the brand new interstate highway system, and in Tennessee, the speed limit was 75 at the time. The idea that the RPM is too high with a direct drive transmission and that setup doesn't make good nonsense.
jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!