Where's my redline?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Where's my redline?
I drag raced for the first time about a month ago, although I've autocrossed a few times before as well. Here are my best numbers of the day:
R/T: .690
60' 2.204
330' 6.409
1/8 9.878 mph 71.11
1000' 12.894
1/4 15.457 88.34
This is at KCIR near Kansas City.
Engine is the original L-48 350, rebuilt about 10,000 miles ago (before it sat in the previous owner's garage for 17 years) Now it gets regular road use. I was trying to shift right around 5000 RPMs, stock redline is at 5250. Since then I have installed a Compcams HighEnergy 268H camshaft, along with new Compcams ProMagnum lifters (built for high revs) and the correct springs for this cam. TH350 Automatic.
I posted this in the Drag Racing forum and mostly got how to get the best ETs (which, of course, was good!) but I'm hoping from you guys I can get a better idea at what RPM things are going to start breaking. The main question, should I be worried about the valvetrain, or something down low? It is generally a very reliable car, oil pressure and water temp sit at ideal levels all day long.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts
Chris
R/T: .690
60' 2.204
330' 6.409
1/8 9.878 mph 71.11
1000' 12.894
1/4 15.457 88.34
This is at KCIR near Kansas City.
Engine is the original L-48 350, rebuilt about 10,000 miles ago (before it sat in the previous owner's garage for 17 years) Now it gets regular road use. I was trying to shift right around 5000 RPMs, stock redline is at 5250. Since then I have installed a Compcams HighEnergy 268H camshaft, along with new Compcams ProMagnum lifters (built for high revs) and the correct springs for this cam. TH350 Automatic.
I posted this in the Drag Racing forum and mostly got how to get the best ETs (which, of course, was good!) but I'm hoping from you guys I can get a better idea at what RPM things are going to start breaking. The main question, should I be worried about the valvetrain, or something down low? It is generally a very reliable car, oil pressure and water temp sit at ideal levels all day long.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts
Chris
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,094
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Re: Where's my redline? (RUXperienced)
Comp Cams lists the power range up to 5500 RPMs on your cam. Peak power is probably @ 5000 RPMs, maybe just a bit higher. I'd consider 5500 to be a good redline- no reason to go higher anyway since your power is already dropping off by then. I'd shift at 5200-5300 at the track.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Re: Where's my redline? (Les)
yeh, that does make alot of sense. I think I'm going to go with those numbers, and see how my ETs vary.
As a point of interest, does anyone have an estimation of the RPM where I'd start to see actual mechanical failure? Or if the valvetrain or connecting rods would die first?
THanks,
Chris
As a point of interest, does anyone have an estimation of the RPM where I'd start to see actual mechanical failure? Or if the valvetrain or connecting rods would die first?
THanks,
Chris
