Re: ihc-digest V5 #66 Engine speed

[Steve Stegmann <stegmann@domain.elided>]

Tom,

Sorry about my timing, I'm 5 days behind in Digests again.

Back in the sixties Ford took 5 Comets and ran for 100,000 mi continuous 
except stops for fuel & driver changes.  This was run at Daytona Speedway 
and the average speed for 100,000 miles was above 100 mph.  These were 
probably 289 (302 now) engines, dead stock.  I believe they were near 4000 
rpm during this run. The Comet wasn't as aerodynamic as say a brick.

If the engine is tight and well balanced 3000 won't bother it a bit.  I 
run my Aerostar at 3100 (78 mph) for 8-12 hours at a stretch with no let 
up.  156k miles still gets 22 mpg on this trip.

Back when the 354/392 was in trucks etc.  People used to abuse these
engines something terrible.  They would just jam the pedal to the metal
and go.  You'd hear these engines racing something scary. Probably just
let the governor handle it like on a tractor.  I doubt you'll hurt it. 
Valve float, intake strangulation probably will stop it before it blows
up.  I suspect your only real worry is long term lubrication. 

Anyone have any info in this?

Steve

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Steven A. Stegmann
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