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

Posted by Ragtime Kid On 2016/2/24 0:31:38

Thank you all for the lively discussion and for your insightful contributions!

For Tim Cole: Your explanation of redline (and the lack thereof in flathead engines) makes sense to me. This being the case, what would happen (hypothetically), if I were to shift the car into neutral, floor the accelerator and hold it there for an indefinite period? What RPM would it reach at its maximum? (Don't worry, I have no intention of doing this -- just a thought exercise!). Do I risk throwing a rod? Breaking the timing chain? Something else? Is it a low probability or near certainty? I am running Pertronix ignition so perhaps ignition breakdown wouldn't occur?

If there is something that will most likely fail, then there must be a "practical redline" (not in the valves-smashing-into-pistons-sense) but, rather, the maximum sustained RPM at which you can be highly confident no catastrophic engine failure will occur. The consensus from this thread seems to put that number in the 2500-2800RPM range. Do you agree with that?