429/460 Rpm

Nick Chelenza · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2002, 08:35 PM

What range of RPM could be expected from a 385 series engine. I know there are a lot of variables to affect rpm. Whats everyone been seeing. Thanks
Nick C.

427sharpe · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2002, 04:48 PM

When drag racing my 535, I run max @ 6800 (rare that I twist it this hard) and during road racing I max at 6200. The most rpm the motor has ever seen was when I was teaching my wife to drive it and she downshifted from 4th to first rather than third--probably 7500 or better. Motor held, but I certainly would not recommend it! In normal street driving I can't remember ever going past 6000 or so, and that very rarely. In a normal street motor, spirited driving or stop light Gran Prix should not need more than 5000 or so., which is well within the range of a decently built inexpensive street motor. Only real alteration that I strongly suggest is a hi volume oil pump and an extended capacity oil pan. A good insurance policy would be twin oil filters and an oil cooler if you plan to run hi rpm for extended periods--more oil in the motor never hurts!!

Nick Chelenza · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2002, 05:02 PM

Thanks for the feedback sharpe. I will just be happy to hear the motor idle someday.
Nick C.

webebob · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2002, 07:09 PM

Ditto 427 sharp.
Upper rpm is limited by valve springs. They float, your done.
The 460 crate motors redline 6,950 though I have exceeded 7k without float. Max hp is at 6,250rpm, so reving through the six's is somewhat expected.
I run a 6k rev chip just to limit the engines punishment. It has alot of power without exceeding 6k. Not like a motorcyle engine that has to get up there to come alive.
With enough oil supply, the stock blocks and cranks survive fine.
In the 460, enough oil supply is the hard part.
Bob