The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1960 - 1966 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-04-2019, 12:31 AM   #1
TimberCraftsman
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Locke, NY
Posts: 4
C50 Owners

Am in the process of restoring a 1964 C50 for a tow rig. It has a 292 L6 four speed and crazy low gear rear end... Top speed seems to be about 40 mph. Wondering what others experience has been.
TimberCraftsman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-04-2019, 10:51 AM   #2
chevy_mike
Never Ending Projects
 
chevy_mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 3,836
Re: C50 Owners

It's all a function of ratios. For an old tow rig, especially with a 6 banger, having a low top speed in return for having the pulling ability to tow is the trade off. Remember, when this was built, speeds were lower than they are today.

Only way you are going to get better top speed is to add an overdrive of some type and/or change the rear gears.
__________________
.
1965 C10 Panel, Tiki Express http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=506580 SOLD
1968 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod Hauler http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313233 SOLD
1965 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415702 SOLD


We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason... listen twice as much and speak half as often...
chevy_mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-04-2019, 11:42 PM   #3
Captainfab
60-66 Nut

 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,250
Re: C50 Owners

Is the rear end a single speed or a 2 speed? Back when I used to drive my '63 C60 with a 292, 5 speed and 2 speed rear, I had no problem cruising 55-60.
__________________
Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE
Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE
Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE
Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE
Captainfab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-05-2019, 09:15 AM   #4
TimberCraftsman
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Locke, NY
Posts: 4
Re: C50 Owners

Mine is a Single speed rear with a four speed manual trans. Going to get a tach so I can see what kind of RPM this beast is turning. Torque is excellent because of the long stroke. What would be a reasonable max RPM for this engine? https://photos.app.goo.gl/wGBwtQPpcXrxiZXN8
TimberCraftsman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-05-2019, 09:47 AM   #5
TimberCraftsman
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Locke, NY
Posts: 4
Re: C50 Owners

looks like I have a 7.2 to 1 gear ratio which would explain the RPM / top speed
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...olet-Truck.pdf
TimberCraftsman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-05-2019, 10:13 AM   #6
c60clf
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: edinburg va
Posts: 115
Re: C50 Owners

Hi Timbercraftsman, I have a 66 l60 with 292 and 4 speed no 2 speed and 22.5 wheels,I have hit 60 on GPS but 45 seems to be it's happy place. Not sure a 2 speed rear would get any more speed just a lower range, not sure of all of our options but after a wicked panic stop with no bed on my truck I am happy for now,I am going to follow your thread, Pat
c60clf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-06-2019, 08:54 AM   #7
350TacoZilla
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Hancock Md
Posts: 410
Re: C50 Owners

The 2 speed rear you would want has 7.95:1 low and 5.83:1 high range so you would have better off line power and higher cruising speed at same rpm as current 7.2:1. Looking at numbers online they also made a 8.72:1-6.4:1 rear but that wouldnt help your rpm as much. a 2 speed trans behind current 4 speed is also a option if you can find one.

RPM difference with the 7.2:1 to the 5.83:1 is around 600rpm @45mph and 800@65.

If your only after a few rpm drop and are happy with off the line power then you might be able to just step tire size up a bit.
350TacoZilla is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
brakes, c50, dump, stake bed


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:33 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com