maximum sustained rpm's
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 86
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From: NE Kansas
maximum sustained rpm's
I've been putting a lot of highway miles on lately and have been afraid to take it above 2000 rpm's, which basically limits me to 70 mph. Not that I could sustain anything over 70 for too long as it would beat the sh#t out of me. It seems the motor is working pretty hard at 2K though. And I recently took on a 15% grade and I wouldn't let it go beyond 2K, which basically meant I was going about 20 mph when I reached the top. Having started at 65, I was not impressed. Could I have pushed it a little harder? Is 2000 rpm's about the maximum that should be sustained over a long period? This truck uses no oil, nor does it have any leaks (thus far anyway), and I would like to keep it that way.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 657
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From: Ocala
Well I take it you have 3.55 gears with those #'s. For all those out there with 4.10's they are rumming around 2300-2400 rpm's at 70. Also on a 15% grade higher RPM's will keep your EGT's down so dont be afraid to push it harder. I wouldnt see a problem with running 23-2400 RPM's at all. With a boost gauge you can really tell how your engine is at cruising speeds. Around 1-2psi at 70 would be a perfect scenario, the less boost the less strain on the engine.
Last edited by KevinC.; Apr 19, 2009 at 09:16 PM. Reason: typo
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 86
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From: NE Kansas
No mods yet except the 6637 & ccv. Any other mods will have to wait until the gauges are installed, which seems to be taking more time than I thought. Primarily because I have been on the road a lot lately. It sounds like I should be able to push a little harder though, which is what I wanted to know.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,207
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From: Kearney, Nebr
Don't be afriad to run the engine harder. Under a load, your putting more stress on it than if you would crank it up to 2.5-3.5.
On those inclined grades it is essential that you keep the r's up to generate the boost to keep your egts down. Remember, you got a V8 under there and it needs to be rollin good to get the power. I wouldn't be afraid to run this engine at 3 1/2 k all day long.
Your lucky you have 3.55's... you can stretch er out quite a bit.
On those inclined grades it is essential that you keep the r's up to generate the boost to keep your egts down. Remember, you got a V8 under there and it needs to be rollin good to get the power. I wouldn't be afraid to run this engine at 3 1/2 k all day long.
Your lucky you have 3.55's... you can stretch er out quite a bit.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 10
From: San Ramon Ca.
The 7.3 engine was built to spin at a good clip. My 6.9 purred like a Kitten at 2700 rpm. Lugging them is not a good thing.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,508
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From: The boonies by Dallas OR
Let it run up to 3000 RPM for hill climbing. For a little while those RPMs aren't going to hurt you.
Holding it down at 2000 RPM means you're only getting about 60% of the peak horses.
Holding it down at 2000 RPM means you're only getting about 60% of the peak horses.
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