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| | | | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 | I have a '51, 1/2 ton, and am setting up for street ride. It has a 216 engine, and just bought an '85 Camaro T5 trans with 0.76 5th gear for $75.
I just found an '86 Camaro rear with a 3.23. When I run the rpm calculator, at 65 mph, I get about 1980 rpm. I can probably get the axle for about $125. Is this a good fit or should I keep looking for a different axle/gear to get me closer to 2200 rpms?
thanks
1967 Chevelle Malibu (2nd owner)
1951 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | Generally that's a good match. Some use a 3:55 rear. I would be concerned that your 216 could handle a constant 2K rpm, although
I really don't know for sure. Maybe others here do. It just wasn't built for that continuos strain, just really more low end easy running. In any case, if you do want to run at 65mph, you better upgrade to better brakes and rebuild the front end or at least make sure it's tight.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 | Thanks. Will have full upgrade in front suspension including, disc brake setup. Dont plant on dring much at 65 but i using it as a good ref point to size my rear. I live out in suburbs so 55-60 is good driving speed.
1967 Chevelle Malibu (2nd owner)
1951 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | The 216 wont pull that much gear. Your o-drive will be worthless except down hill.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 | Went back to recheck my numbers.
The 216 engine has max torque at 1500 rpm. So, using 2.41 or 2.56 gears gets me right around 1500 rpm. So, does this look like the right rear??
Thanks
1967 Chevelle Malibu (2nd owner)
1951 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | no - if most of your driving will be slower speeds, you'll need more torque at the lower RPMs than that gearing would provide, and as George said, no point in an OD with that ratio
Bill | | | | | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 | Thanks for feedback and patience.
Local rear for sale with 3.73 gear. Looks like this or a 4.11 will get me to crusing speeds of around 60 mph??
Last edited by malibu67; 06/20/2012 5:15 PM.
1967 Chevelle Malibu (2nd owner)
1951 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | a 3.73 and OD 5th gear will get you cruising 70 or better, if it's not uphill
Bill | | | | | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 60 | thank you all. Im picking up the 3.73 on Saturday.
1967 Chevelle Malibu (2nd owner)
1951 Chevy 3100
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