I have a 1950 Ford F1 with a 302, auto tranny, and at 55 mph it is turning almost 3000 RPM's. I'm getting 18 mpg, but would like to see the motor turning less. Any suggestions? And no, I don't know what tranny is in it.
Thanks

 

Either change the rear end to one with a numerically lower ratio or install larger tires on the rear end. Or swap for an overdrive type transmission.

 

The easiest swap would be to drop in a 9" rear end (57-72 F100) with gears in the 3.25 range - with a slushbox you could even get away with 3.00. I agree with Joe.

 

I'm assuming you have the original DANA 41 rear end in it. My 50 has/had (before I took it apart) a 302 with a C6 transmission. It has a 3.73 gear swap in the original rear end housing and runs very smoothly. I don't recall the exact RPM's but it wasn't anything near 3000. Just another option I thought I'd throw out there. I won't win a drag race anytime soon, but it does very well on the highway.

 

By the way, welcome. I see your profile says you are in Virginia. What part of Virginia. I'm just across the border in KY. Plus there are some other members nearby. Let us know if we can help. Pictures please!!

 

What size tires and rims are you running? Is your speedometer been checked for accuracy?

Bob