What is everyone seeing for top speeds on the stock driveline (1948 1/2 ton, 216, 3-speed, 4.11 rear-end). She seems really happy at about 45mph, but anything over seems like asking a lot. Its hard to tell without a tachometer, and it seems like she can do it, but it sure seems like a lot. Wanted to get everyone's feedback. Thanks!
My 51 is all back original, same engine and driveline as yours. And yep, 45-50 is where it likes it, but I've run it 55-60 on the interstate with no problems. That 60mph does make it sound as though it's wound up a little too much though.
Before I put a 235 in my 1950 3100 ( original driveline, 3-speed, 4:11 rear gears) the top speed was about 55 mph. That was per GPS on my cellphone. Yes it was up in rpm's but stovebolt engines are made for that! I get up to 62 Ish mph now with 235 in it, same drive line!
Take a drive with the fan removed- - - -I think you'll be able to figure out where most of the noise is coming from. It doesn't make good nonsense to be worried about running an engine up to the RPM range where the factory rated its horsepower as long as the bottom end bearings are in good shape.. 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!
55-60 on the interstate on a weekly basis. 65 is tops but I don't cruise at that speed.
This was made possible by installing the correct diameter wheels (16") and correct size tires. A new clutch helped a lot, too.
unrestored 216 and 3 spd trans, 4.11 rear end
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy) 1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Awesome! Glad to hear everyone is in the same boat. I do have original-size bias-ply tires (6.50x16). Once I get some exhaust leaks fixed it might not sound so chaotic.
Back when I was in college, my daily driver was a 1958 Chevy DelRay coupe with a 235/3 speed drivetrain and a 3.70 rear end. It also had 14" wheels and low profile tires. I drove it home 150 miles just about every weekend at 65-70 MPH, and it would do 80 in a short sprint when needed for passing. Stovebolt engines are a lot tougher than folks think! 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!
Mine liked 45mph, and on the highway it seemed to favor 58mph. Speedometer has been out of service a while, but here's a tach pic. It would cruise all day. Past tense because it has a T-5 now, and I wouldn't change it back.
Buy a set of 215/85R16 tires on it. They are 30.5" compared to your 28" tires. That will give you a noticeable increase in speed with less RPM. Have your rims sandblasted and epoxy primed, and use epoxy on the rivets which hold the rims together. You can then run those tires tubeless. I recommend the valve stems which are held on by a nut.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
I have a 1954 235 with a 2.73 Nova rearend and a T5 5 speed It will cruise all day long at 65-70 and around 2100 rpm. I am getting ready for KC this week and I always have my fingers crossed. I have never had it beyond the posted speed limit but would like to try on my home turf btw also disc brakes on the front.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am. 1954 3100 Chevy truck In the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix 1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
