At the end of the week i will be driving back to OK from GA. Its a little over 20 hours. I do plan to stop halfway and sleep. But i was wondering what is a good RPM to stay at, or what is a RPM range to stay away from? I dont want to hurt my motor. I have a bone stock 350tbi with a 700r4, 4.56s and 35s. At 60 im right around 2k acording to my tach. Thanks for the help guys.
CK5
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Long trip coming up. Need advice.
- Thread starter TSewell
- Start date
Really, at any cruise speed, it shouldn't matter if you are going for an hour, or 10 hrs.
I would definitely get a trans temp gauge, and make sure the trans doesn't hunt in and out of OD.
Anything under about 2400 is good to go for HOURS. My guess is you best fuel mileage will be in the 2-2200 range. I'd aim for 2200 cruise.
I would definitely get a trans temp gauge, and make sure the trans doesn't hunt in and out of OD.
Anything under about 2400 is good to go for HOURS. My guess is you best fuel mileage will be in the 2-2200 range. I'd aim for 2200 cruise.
Amtek
1/2 ton status
You wont hurt anything at any RPM other than your wallet.
So for good MPG's, go as low as you can go without being a danger to others. Increase tire pressure (but do not exceed max-safe PSI listed on the sidewall) for best mileage. 40 PSI would be ideal
a low temp T-stat can (sometimes drastically) hurt your mileage though. It should be at 195 for optimal performance and mileage.
So for good MPG's, go as low as you can go without being a danger to others. Increase tire pressure (but do not exceed max-safe PSI listed on the sidewall) for best mileage. 40 PSI would be ideal
a low temp T-stat can (sometimes drastically) hurt your mileage though. It should be at 195 for optimal performance and mileage.
I don't agree with this. I could be wrong, though. When you drive with really low RPMs you run the risk of lugging the engine, where it's pumping a ton of fuel in to the cylinder to produce as much power as it would if you were at a slightly higher RPM. For instance, I get better mileage at 65 than if I drive 60. The sweet spot in your RPMs does matter.
That must be close to 80MPH, probably not ideal for MPG, plus tickets cost extra and slow you down.
Look, your driveline setup is fine. Just drive safely at reasonable speeds. This would be a valid concern with a TH350, but with overdrive it'll be fine. If you want to worry, just check to make sure the TCC lockup works and make sure everything is in good working order before you go.
I have driven 4.56's and 35's as far as 700 miles in a day with a TBI 350. They run good at 70-75 mph and I always got 12-14 mpg depending on terrain and traffic. Have fun and be careful!
Colbys right, super low and lugging it will not help mpgs or anything else. Every engine has a "sweet spot", changing parts (cams, exhaust, intakes etc) can change that rpm, find the happy place
and stay close to it for optimum mpgs, my guess would be in the 2200-2400 range - but its been a looong time since I've spent any time driving a TBI small block, so don't quote me on that 
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On drag week I turned my camaro 3800-4200 and got 9-12 mpg. Afterward I pulled it apart and the bearings looked like new. Rpm don't hurt engines (not over buzzing it). I Air up your tires and roll.
I have that exact same setup. Will run it at 75 for hours. Only difference is gas milage. Drops a lot after 60 mph.
Dont worry about it. Just check fluids and tire pressure ( dont forget the spare) and keep an eye on temps.
I drove 17.5 Hours (1000mi) straight in my blazer with no issues except my power steering output seal blowing out.
I even had a loaded up truck and a 6x8 uhaul trailer.
I drove 17.5 Hours (1000mi) straight in my blazer with no issues except my power steering output seal blowing out.
I even had a loaded up truck and a 6x8 uhaul trailer.
The real big thing is to cruise fast enough that your trans is not hunting.
If its hunting it will create heat and rob you of efficiency.
I have a 700 4.56s and 35s and drive 75 no problem. Mileage can't compare cause I am diesel though. I get around 18 at 75 can get near 20 at 65
If its hunting it will create heat and rob you of efficiency.
I have a 700 4.56s and 35s and drive 75 no problem. Mileage can't compare cause I am diesel though. I get around 18 at 75 can get near 20 at 65
