The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 283 RPM RANGE

I am trying to figure out a trany and rear combo for my 3/4 ton project and wanted to know what the ideal rpms at first second third and o/d are for a 283. it is a rebuilt 283 out of a early 70s passenger car, want something that could haul light loads occasionally and keep up on the highway and I don't want to burn up my engine running it too hard at 70 mph. definitely learning/ making it up as I go on this project this site has been a huge help.

I suppose my first question is, what tranny are you running? You say first ,second, third, and OD. I don't have a truck with a 283, but I run a stock 230+ hp 283 in a 60 vette, and at 70 mph, I run about 3000 with a 3:55 rear. Stock 4 speed with 1:1 final drive. I'm running 15" wheels, so there may be some difference in tire height and vehicle weight. I'm running a 500 cfm carb, stock motor, and it seems to be happy,runnig about 1800 - 3000. I drive on the level, and live up a steep canyon, and the 3:55 works pretty good. Some place to start anyway.

283's don't mind revs, but even with an OD trans you're going to need a much better ratio rear than a stock 3/4T has to run 70 for any length of time

Bill