[apstguy]

With a 305, 3.08 gears, and a Bowtie Overdrives 700r4, I can run at 80+mph at 2000rpm. I have never topped out 3rd gear, nor 4th. I couldn't ever get close. I think aerodynamics stopped it from even topping out in 3rd. The tranmission wants something with at least 250 hp, which a stock 305 only gives about 165. With the Bowtie overdrive's tranny, it has the corvette servo in it so it won't let you downshift unless you about floor it. With a 305, you push the gas down on the freeway and it bogs down. Once it downshifts, then you get some speed. I love it though, in OD it acts civilized until you get mean with it. Put it in Drive and it shifts harder. Manually shifting in it provides very firm shifts, almost violent. But always fun. I also have a 2200 rpm stall converter, large external cooler, and deep sump aluminum pan for it to keep it cool. In summer her in CA, the tranny gets hot. As long as it stays under 90 degrees it runs at proper temps.