Re: Engine, Tach, and Speedster Questions

Posted by Jim On 2009/1/4 23:54:37

O_D,

I have never found information specific to recommended sustained cruise rpm. I think theoretically the 35 and latter inserted engines would be a bit higher than the earlier babbited engines. The nature of these engines is obviously in the realm of torque.

The question of an actual sustainable rpm number may be difficult as few cars equipped with 320's would have had tachs. The magic in all this is figuring out what gearing v. what torque and hp, and what is the sustainable engine rpm all working happily together to yield the best clip of road speed. In my case, I have a very unique set of circumstances. 39 was the only year a 320 could be had with overdrive. The 39 Super 8 came in at 3930 dry weight, and is fairly aerodynamic. I am pretty convinced that a happy medium between reasonable rpm / cruise speed can be obtained (best of both worlds).

Jim