Redline

[Jim C.]

How often , if at all, do you run your up close to redline?

[Michael H.]

Re: Redline

How often , if at all, do you run your up close to redline?

In the 60's, I did it a LOT.

In the 70's, less.

Now, in the 21st century, I see no point. Sooner or later, something expensive/critical is going to fizzle.

(assuming we're talking about old C1's and C2's)

[Mike F.]

Re: Redline

I run to redline as often as I can (70 L46). That's what it was designed for.

[Terry M.]

Re: Redline

I am with Mike Hanson. But was it four years ago when my 2008 was new and the Michigan Regional got to tour Milford? A whole lot that day, of course the car was new and I would not have been ashamed to tell the Chevrolet engineers I know that I broke it at Milford, and ask them to fix it on the warranty.

BTW: I won't tell you who it was but on the 2.9 mile straight my passenger yelled at me (he had to because the exhaust was open over 3K rpm) to slow down before they throw us out. I think he will remember to his dying day the big grin he got in response.

If that car isn't illegal anyplace in this country at redline in first gear, I am sure it is in second gear.

[William F.]

Re: Redline

Right on Mike. If you don't (or car can't) pull to redline ,at least occasionally, may as well drive a "PIOUS."'67 L79, '67 L36, '62 340 hp

[John S.]

Re: Redline

Not so ashamed to admit taking my 35k mile 65 fuelie to redline more then once in the last week or two. May have to work that out of my system or maybe not!
I will tell you the car pulls to 6500 rpm with no problem and would probably go past it.

[Michael H.]

Re: Redline

I run to redline as often as I can (70 L46). That's what it was designed for.

Mike,

Running to redline in a 70 hydraulic lifter L46 is a whole different deal than running to redline in a solid lifter engine that will easily go to 7000 RPM. I think you're all done at around 5500 RPM with your hyd lifter L48?

7000 RPM on those 50 year old connecting rods, bolts, bearings and valve springs on a solid lifter 50's or 60's engine is a different issue. That's just asking for trouble. And when some rotating component is sticking out the side of the block with anti freeze dripping off of it, there goes the original block. (although, I hear replacement original blocks aren't all that difficult to find these days)

[Stuart F.]

Re: Redline

I try to limit my L-76 63 to 5500 rpm, but it is ohhh so hard to do when it wants so bad to go higher. Perhaps I need to get one of those ignitions with an adjustible rev limiter, cause I just can't discipline myself - nor can my engine. With the 3.36 final, second gear does put me illegal so that's a little easier to limit.

Stu Fox

[Jim C.]

Re: Redline

Not so ashamed to admit taking my 35k mile 65 fuelie to redline more then once in the last week or two. May have to work that out of my system or maybe not!
I will tell you the car pulls to 6500 rpm with no problem and would probably go past it.

my 63 340shp makes one hell of a noise above 4500 . Those solid lifters sound like they are ready to shoot right through the heads . I have an 097 cam as well

[Carl N.]

Re: Redline

L78 is redlined at 6500 sooo 'bout once a week weather permitting I'll pull around 6,200 thru 1st and 2nd, but unlike Terry I can still stay close to local 70 mph speed limit in Texas in 2nd --Wife's C5 is whole other story so I'd have to guess it hardly ever if ever sees redline (couldn't even tell you what redline is without going in shed and looking),

[Michael J.]

Re: Redline

I do take my '67 L71 to near redline (within 400 rpm) most every time I have it out, that is what it was made to do, as Mike says. I do it in first gear, so as to not exceed the speed limit by too much. Now, in my 2012 ZR1, I do it regularly too, but in several of the other gears I have.

[Jim L.]

Re: Redline

How often , if at all, do you run your up close to redline?

The car in my avatar? Anytime. Anywhere. My unrestored '54? Never. 3500 RPM tops.