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Author Topic: Conservative redline for rebuilt, stock 2000cc/4-speed?  (Read 1771 times)

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Offline Flygirl62

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Conservative redline for rebuilt, stock 2000cc/4-speed?
« on: July 26, 2013, 11:00:08 PM »
Quick question. After 35 years and another engine rebuild, I finally added a tach and engine gauge cluster to my '73 Runabout.

I find that I've been shifting at about 3,000-ish RPM in normal driving, see 3,500 at 70MPH and don't take it past 4,000 at any time.

Not looking to wring the last horsepower out of it.

Does 4,000 sound like a conservative redline for Ladybug? Could I go to 4,500 for a few seconds, and not regularly, if I'm really looking for everything it's got? Feels like the power band must begin to flatten out north of 4,000, but not really sure.

Thing is, it sounds really good through about 3,500, and so I just want to stay in it a little longer.

If I remember correctly, the redline when new was quoted as 5,800. So maybe 4,500 isn't unreasonable?
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Offline Jerry merrill

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Re: Conservative redline for rebuilt, stock 2000cc/4-speed?
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2013, 10:19:19 AM »
4,500 is plenty safe for a 2.0, you could run that with out damage as long as the engine is in good tune. Have fun!
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Offline 72Wagon

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Re: Conservative redline for rebuilt, stock 2000cc/4-speed?
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2013, 07:58:25 PM »
I have had mine (not stock) north of 8000 rpm, 5000 to 6000 regularly.  The bottom end is stock.   The limiting factor is the stock camshaft, it limits output to about 4000 to 4500 rpms.
 Kevin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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1972 Wagon
2.0 (not stock), 4 Speed with Hurst shifter and roll control, Holley 390 4bbl, Spearco intake, MSD Ignition. 8 inch rearend 3.55 gears, custom dash and interior.

Offline Flygirl62

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Re: Conservative redline for rebuilt, stock 2000cc/4-speed?
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2013, 09:33:20 PM »
Thank you both!

Jerry, it's in good tune, definitely the best running stock engine that's ever been in the car. Why Ford couldn't make it run this good in the 70s is beyond me. Well, to be honest, it's taken some TLC to get it this far, so that might explain it.

Kevin, I suspected that the stock cam gives good torque but isn't designed for higher RPM. Touching 4500, it does seem like diminishing returns after that.

So, sounds like I'm in the ballpark, but it's nice to know I can indulge myself to 4,500 if I'd like.

:-)
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