I think some of us are too accustomed to modern, quiet vehicles with their hydraulic valve lifters, smoother riding suspensions and sound deadening insulation. Old Chevy trucks are loud, and were when they were new. Lots more mechanical noise, especially from mechanical lifters and road noise. I think that is part of the reason we think it's about to fly into pieces when we get to about 50, so we back down. In my 50 3600 with its 216, 4.57 rear and 7.00-15 tires the motor's turning approx 2850 RPM at 55 MPH. I drove most of 330 miles last May at that speed and it ran great. But my ears were ringing when I got there.
