redline
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 160
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From: usa
redline
since i'm putting in a rebuilt 390 in my truck, and don't have to worry about a worn out engine coming apart. what should i set my red line at? the rebuilt engine is from advance auto parts and has ( at least what i'm told) been rebuilt to factory specs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
redline
I would say 5000 RPM for a stock setup that is new. Looks like you have a good free flowing exhaust setup. If your carb/intake and Cam are close to stock you probbaly won't see any benefit to running past 5000. I suspect the valve train is good to about 5500+ (Mine is).
My limited knowledge opinion! Im' sure you will get plenty of opinions here shortly.
My limited knowledge opinion! Im' sure you will get plenty of opinions here shortly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
redline
5500 is a piece of ckae for the bottom end. Might get some valve float before that or completely run out of breath like gtex said. Not sure exactly what you have. If it is near stock it will handle many more rpms than it will make power at.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
redline
You guys are WAAAAY too conservative here! A 390 can tolerate 6500 without any problems whatsoever. If you have the normal stock valvesprings, you probably won't get past 5500 no matter what. Get some REAL valvesprings and let her wind. What are you guys worried about ? FEs are made to RUN ! DF
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
redline
I wouldn't be turning 6,500 on stock rod bolts DF. I get better times shifting at 5,750 anyway but have seen 6,500 and wasn't afraid.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
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From: Sun River St. George
redline
Yup! Conservative is what I'd call it. 4K is for a driver on public hiways. Racing is another issue altogeather. 6.5K huh? Bet your knuckles were white that day!
William in Atlanta
William in Atlanta
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
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redline
DF is right. Stock springs, etc, won't get you much past 5K anyway, but the bottom end is good way on up there. Good rods and bolts will let'em run on up into the high 6's or low 7's. Don't worry, though, it'll give out of breath long before things begin letting go.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
redline
I'm running stock springs, and I've seen 6000RPM in neutral, 5500 RPM in Gear. Well, I'm assuming they are stock, I certainly have not changed them. I certainly don't have many breathing constraints. Stock heads and valve sizes should be my only restrictions. I sure could use a set of ported heads and CJ size valves.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
redline
>I'm running stock springs, and I've seen 6000RPM in neutral,
>5500 RPM in Gear. Well, I'm assuming they are stock, I
>certainly have not changed them. I certainly don't have many
>breathing constraints. Stock heads and valve sizes should be
>my only restrictions. I sure could use a set of ported heads
>and CJ size valves.
I have double valve-springs and a 290 deg/.528 lift cam. Headers, Edelbrock performer intake and a 750 Holley and I get to around 5800RPM and it starts to fall off. 6000 RPM is no problem pulling from a stop in 2nd (435NP). Cam was degreed in for super-low-end-torque (advanced?). Heads ported to the bajesus and 428SCJ sodium-filled stainless exhaust valves.
I set the MSD 6AT at 6000 and forgot about it.
Imagine the guy at the local speed shop telling me "what do you need a rev-limiter in a pickup for" ???
My answer was: "If I dropped a driveshaft with my foot to the floor, it would rev past 6000 before I could even THINK of moving my foot". He looked at me like I had two heads... I don't think he realized what a Ford FE was capable of
art k.
>5500 RPM in Gear. Well, I'm assuming they are stock, I
>certainly have not changed them. I certainly don't have many
>breathing constraints. Stock heads and valve sizes should be
>my only restrictions. I sure could use a set of ported heads
>and CJ size valves.
I have double valve-springs and a 290 deg/.528 lift cam. Headers, Edelbrock performer intake and a 750 Holley and I get to around 5800RPM and it starts to fall off. 6000 RPM is no problem pulling from a stop in 2nd (435NP). Cam was degreed in for super-low-end-torque (advanced?). Heads ported to the bajesus and 428SCJ sodium-filled stainless exhaust valves.
I set the MSD 6AT at 6000 and forgot about it.
Imagine the guy at the local speed shop telling me "what do you need a rev-limiter in a pickup for" ???
My answer was: "If I dropped a driveshaft with my foot to the floor, it would rev past 6000 before I could even THINK of moving my foot". He looked at me like I had two heads... I don't think he realized what a Ford FE was capable of
art k.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
redline
It starts kicking in at 5500 right? I am going to run a 7000rpm limiter as they start kicking in 500 rpm early to cushion the rev control. I will need the engine functional up to 6500rpm.