If its a Chev with a 216, its going to struggle with 3.38 gears and with the big gap between 2nd and 3rd it will be awkward to drive. Patrick used to recommend a close ratio 4 speed in front of his 3.55 gear sets. The 3.38 gear sets are for later vehicles that were born with more hp. Back in the 50's and 60's I drove GMCs 70 all day long. I grew up with the noise. If you put a tach on the engine, you will be surprised at how fast they go before you reached the advertised hp rpm.