1969 350 chevy redline rpm

[macdodd]

I just bought a '69 chevy pickup with a 350 engine/ and same trans. What should that engine redline at,,,,,its got a 3.73 rearend in it and I don't want to overrev the engine,,,,,,

[Mike C]

You probably can't easily with the stock cam. Figure 5000 rpm for redline and you should be fine. Probably not making any power past that anyways.

[Alex V.]

I believe factory redline on all the low-perf. small blocks was 5,500, but if it has anywhere near stock-size tires and 3.73's it'll go over 100 MPH before you reach that. It may sound like it's screaming at 60 MPH but it's really only 2,500-2,800 RPM and that's right where your 350 is comfortable and was designed to achieve its best power and durability.

[hugger6933]

Unless modded with a better ignition system and fuel you will run out of breath and spark way before the engine will sling apart. The cam will float the valves due to lighter spring pressures and various other things long before the redline will be crossed. I would think about 4000 to 4250 and your gonna think it is coming out from under the hood if it is still all stock. That will be way before the redline but much after those points with all stock parts your not gonna make much power if any. Jim

[hugger6933]

Now with a simple intake and exhaust upgrades and a camshaft and spring change ,well then that is a whole different ballgame.

[macdodd]

All that I know of,,,its got edenbrock headers and valve covers,,,,

[PanelDeland]

I see a lot of guys get into their first classic and wonder why it revs like that. Many think there is something wrong with them because they have always driven modern vehicles with OD and higher gearing. I even get that once in a while If it's been a while since I drove my truck. They just were designed to rev more than your later vehicles and with less sound deadener, it's really noticeable.