The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts So what's the top speed of these Trucks

I got a 51 GMC 450 with the 270 I6. Whats the top speed of these trucks? Don't plan on cruising down the I-10 at 75, but I am curious.

It depends on how much noise you can put up with. We used to run them 60 all day long and 70 down hill. You aren't going to hurt the engine at high rpm, but they get noisy and lots of wind noise.

brakes first!!! that whats more importaint, is can you stop?

ken is right with the tolerance of sound. at one time i was wondering the same thing just like you. after i got my trucks to stop and steer i took them out. my sound tolerance in my 40 is less than the other two but thats due to some improvements from 40 to 51. i run mine from 0 to 52.5 mph. depending on the condition of the engine you might tolerate the noise but the motor wont tolerate the speed guess how i know this there is a sweet spot that the truck likes the best. find it and drive it at that speed.

Thanks for the info,deffinately will do brakes before I get it out on the road. I really like your dumper, 51ashton.

so does that guy that goes by the name of tclederman, after he drove it

Yes, your dump truck drives nicely with the rebuilt engine. But, I still do not think I was driving it, Mike.

I was a monkey that was simply following the instructions of my excellent trainer.

Double de-clutching and two-speed switching - sheesh? Too complex for this simple mind. However, I'll eventually learn, hopefully before I wear down gear teeth. Maybe next summer; maybe summer 2014? Slow but almost steady with the restoration of my COE.

Merry Christmas

I drive my '53 6400 Firetruck 45-50 if I'm on the highway. I have run it 60 but its not real happy doing it. If you look back at the roads these trucks operated when they were new you would find that 45 was the speed limit for trucks.

I drive my 52'GMC 454-30 at 55 MPH. that is the fastest it will go.

It has a governor under the 2 barrel carb and a raised metal stop plate under the throttle pedal.

It purrrrrrs at 55 and gets good gas mileage at that speed.

Also another thing some people forget is not only the brakes but the front axle wheel bearings are not designed for modern highway speeds. It is a good idea to upgrade wheel bearings to a higher grade bearing. They cost more, but are worth it if you plan on spending much time on the freeways and turnpikes.

And good tires as well

55 sounds good, no reason to go faster. Thanks guys