Ron Neis

I Have a 350 olds I put
10:5 to 1
flat tops in. What is max rpm I want to turn the crankshaft basically stock.
I have the rpm performer for a intake with dui 50 k volts
hei with the good control module stuffed inside the distributor .
I have a msd digital rev limiter 8727 so I can set it at whatever rpm I want
What max Rpm you all recommend?
I use this motor in a metric car running it in 2nd gear with a 340 rear gear so 516 final.
On a semi banked 1/2 mile dirt track.. 600 lapper
That's right 600 laps for $25,000 to win
Devils bowl speedway oct 4th and 5th.
Thanks in advance go OLDSMOBUBBLE!!!!

Ron Neis

Forgot to add it's a 350 turbo trans. With ford 9"

Fun71

I have read posts saying the W-31 350s woulds turn over 6000 RPM. I would assume on a rebuild the max RPM may depend upon the crank - bearing tolerances and the oiling system.

olds 307 and 403

I assume Speedpro flat top pistons and soft stock rods? They are heavy so unless you have a serious cam, it will just make noise then blow. I would be hesitant past 5500 rpm.

ajr2820

The max RPM you should turn the engine is where it is providing max power. Why would you ever turn an engine faster than that even if it stays together? Run it on a dyno and you will have the "magic" number. If you need to, adjust your gearing to keep it in the power band.

joe_padavano

^^^^THIS!

Of course, there are second-order considerations. For example, depending on the trans, the car MIGHT be quicker in the quarter if running the engine slightly past the power peak allows you to eliminate one shift, since you are decelerating when you shift. Yes, changing gearing might make the car quicker in that situation, but you'd need to try it and changing trans gear ratios isn't trivial. This is why matching the entire combo to the intended use is so important.

OLDSter Ralph

I am not well versed on "roundy round racing", but keeping the engine together and in the power band between peak torque and peak horsepower is what you want. No mention was made of what camshaft you will use, that is a major consideration. Your tire diameter and gearing is what will put the engine in the "power band". Have you talked to others in your sport about what combinations they are running ?
........Just my two cents worth.

Lonnies Performance

Unfortunately, circle track racing will find the weak parts of any engine. You are essentially revving it to red line twice per lap.
Although a well built 350 engine should be happy at 6000 rpm, I'm not certain it will like doing it for 5 hrs straight.
Being around at the end vs. leading for 50 laps is what I would concentrate on, so my gut feel is 5500-5700 max if you have the cam/valve train to support it.

You are looking at a balance between top speed & acceleration off the corners.
If anyone is close behind you, you become a target in every turn... only taking a slight nudge to put you in the wall.
For $25K I'm sure it will not be a gentlemen's race, so you do not want to run out of RPM at the end of the straight.

Any idea what the typical lap times & straightaway speeds at this track are for the class you are running in?

coppercutlass

Im spinning my 355 to 6700

olds 307 and 403

With much lighter Probe pistons.

coppercutlass

The last one i was spinning to 6500 with the speed pro's

WannaBa442

This is a 1/2 mile dirt track.
602 crate motor modifieds do it in the low 19 sec range.
Sprint cars can touch the 13 sec range.
The 25K to win race pulls in some big guns, I watch Brett Hearn pick off the field last year like they were tied to a post.
Not that he has that much more power, he's just smooooth.
I wish you luck, I hope to be down there again watching this year.

Devils Bowl Speedway