Re: Redline/Maximum Continuous Operating RPM - Packard 6 Cylinder Engines

Posted by PackardV8 On 2016/2/23 8:28:44

Any engine by any mfg'er prior to the horse power revolution of 1955 is a 2500 RPM engine for a safe SUSTAINE LONG DISTANCE cruising speed. 2800 rpm at the max.

Anything over 2800 rpm becomes a major strain on the internal engine parts that will greatly shorten the life of the engine or break parts.


For short bursts of speed such as in drag racing or passing slower moving vehicles then probably 3200 rpm is ok. But i sure as hell would not try to hold it at RPM range above 2800 rpm.

The ADVERTISED 3600 rpm is strictly a mfg'ers claim to fame. The mfg'er has literaly 100's of engines to run on a TEST STAND. So if the mfg'er blows up 10 engines before they get the results they want then they don't care.


Let me put it another way:
If u have 8 or 10 engines setting around and 3 or 4 mechanics that can swap an engine in 2 or 3 hours then by all means get out there and try to turn the engine 3600-4000 rpm all day long. Have your cell phone and roll back following u around the track to tow u in when the engine lets loose.

Otherwise, 2500-2800 rpm is about a safe sustained cruisinggggg engine speed.

There were no Interstate hi ways prior to the LATE 1950's Which means that it would be a rare place in the world where one could run 70 mph non-stop for hours on end.