The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine max RPM

Now that I’ve gotten the engine running to factory standards, the question of overrev comes into play. I know it doesn’t have a governor but it also isn’t VVT so overrev wouldn’t hurt more than the bearings over a long period. I know the highway going 45 cruising RPM is something like 3500-3800. What I want to know is what will the engine run at with full throttle in neutral and what would be considered red lining it. Also how much damage would be done to it if it is ran at full throttle for a few seconds.

Running full throttle at no load is a surefire way to do major damage to the rod bearings of any engine. If you're running a 216 with cast iron pistons, that's a very good way to hammer the Babbit bearings into nothing in a very short time. The engine will run pretty much forever at 3500 or a little more as long as it's done while pulling the vehicle. Revving it up in neutral is an exercise in stupidity.
Jerry

Mr Dane has a '54 235 in his 1/2 ton . Great engine .

but 3800rpm at 45mph ??? need a new rev counter .

RPM Calculator; http://www.csgnetwork.com/multirpmcalc.html

Maybe in 2nd gear with the heavy duty 3-speed (3.90 rear) = ~3800 rpm

i dont think its hitting 3800 thats just what i saw in another form post. i need a rev counter as it stands lol

its just got a stock 4.11:1 that came on the 1/2 tons.. so from what ive read on other sites it could be somewhere from 3200-3800. either way thats a pretty good running speed..

hopefully that'll never happen. ill just make sure im the only one that drives it.

anyway ive found what im looking for thank you all for the help!

Standard 1/2 ton? Stock trans ans rear end? And a 235? That is the same setup I have in my 52. With a decent tach on the column I read 3000 RPM at 60 MPH. 235 15 tires and wheels. So, try to get a good reading on the engine RPM. My truck sounds "busy" at 2500/2700 RPM(that is close to 55 MPH) so I do tend to stay right around that speed. It will go as fast as 65, but neither me or the truck feel real happy for long at that speed. I do some "freeway" driving. Not avoidable in Utah, but I don't go far from the right hand lane. Hot Rod thinks 3500 is fine. Trust him. Here is one, kinda spendy but a good counter: https://www.autometer.com/2-5-8-tach-4-000-rpm-low-rev-black.html

235's from 54-62 were factory max HP rated at speeds from 3800-4200, depending on the year of the engine. With good rod bearings and good oil pressure, these engines will stay together and produce more HP than most of us will ever need at speeds we're afraid to approach. If an engine is noisy at lower speeds, it's either worn out, or we're just not accustomed to hearing one earning its keep at its HP-rated RPM. The bigger trucks with plenty of gears got run at or near redline pulling max loads or above all day and stayed together.
Jerry