Hello, I am new to this web site. Found site while looking for information on the Ford 534 SD engine. I have a 1972 National motor coach (similar to a wonderlodge). It has a 534 and is mated to an Allison MT 42 6 speed automatic transmission. When we bought this coach, the bus itself is in very nice shape inside and out. Engine ran but poorly. I have since torn motor down and completely rebuilt it (wanted to keep it original). Engine was bored .030 over and everything in it replaced. I am using an old Chiltons book for all specs and information. It has been very useful up to this point. What I need is the maximum RPM setting to adjust the governor to. I am inclined to think it would be in the 3400- 3600 RPM range. With my time and money invested in this engine I want to set it to the factory spec. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Mark

 

It is spose to be set to 3400 rpm, you could probably run it to 3800 rpm without hurting it, but its probably good to keep it at factory specs, you can go to google and type in (534 v8 wiki) it should come up with a wikipedia page on the 401 477 anf 534 engines, it tells the max rpm there, ive seen it other places too.

 

I have a 477, and while the redline is 3600 rpm, how high can you safely rev these engines ?

 

Uhh, 3600. You run the risk of throwing a rod even at 3600, so I'd keep it under that.

 

thanks, the reason I ask is the mechanic who is installing a new clutch for me told me it would not hurt to rev it to 4000 rpm for short bursts. I want this truck to last, it has just under 100,000 miles , and I don't take it over 3500 rpm.

 

on the other end of the power scale, how low can you run this engine under load, without lugging it?