View Full Version : Top safe RPM ?


tedali2004
04-30-2008, 11:28 AM
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg183/tedali2004/?action=view&current=Shovelheadcloseup.jpg


So I've been doing my work commute on my '76 Shovel. I was wondering what the highest cruising rpm is on this motor. The engine has been upgraded with 93" S&S kit. I have been running steady 3000 rpm on the Interstate and I don't feel this will hurt the motor at all, but I was wondering how high I can hold the revs without stressing the stroker.

Rodney
05-01-2008, 10:05 AM
I'm sure the S&S rotating assembly is good to 6000 rpm
oiling system and valve train would be the place of failure at high RPM.
are you running an oil cooler?

tedali2004
05-01-2008, 11:01 AM
Yes I have a cooler.

I'm sure the crank has red line around 5500-6000 rpm. I'm just wondering what rpm I should stop at when running for a hour down I-95.

I noticed that below 85 degree air temp the oil cooler (Jeggs) works too well. Oil temp stay about 150 degrees. When I block the cooler with cardboard and get the temp to 170-180 it idles smoother and gets better gas milage. I know the 60 or 70 weight oil doesn't really flow till warm.

southphillyed
05-04-2008, 10:03 AM
I had a tach on my 66 shovel for the last 8 years...eliminates any doubt as to what the motor is doing.Your motor ought to be able to maintain 3 grand hour after hour with those operating temps!!