So while were on this topic, what is the aprox rpm that is safe for a splash system 216? I have a ton with 5.14gears and 7.50x17 singles. seems about 45 mph is really twisting.
Some of the old timers here, guys who drove these trucks when they were almost new, claim they used to turn them fast enough to run 50 and 60 and sometimes more.
While mileage would sure suffer and an already worn motor would be at greater risk, I suspect a fresh 216 will run much faster than many of us would be comfortable listening to.
And I do think its listening that is the issue. Those of us who grew up with pressure oil and quiet hydraulic lifters and lots of insulation aren't accustomed to the noise these old motors make.
I'm not suggesting you run a tired 216 at 4500 RPM, but if your motor is solid it may well be good for far faster speeds than you think. That 'really twisting' judgment is based on noise right? Put a tach on it and see what it is really doing.
