Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines rpms

Hey,

Well I got the holley/weber 2bbl carb hooked up, along with the HEI unit & alternator. Also gave it a fresh tune-up. Even installed a new vacuum advance unit in the distributor. I really can't seem to find optimum timing though, although I think it's close, about 13-15 degrees advance.
Anyways, I can't get the motor to rev over 3500, maybe 3700 rpms. Shouldn't this 235 rev to maybe 4800-5000 rpm, especially with the progressive 2bbl?
The only thing that I think may be wrong is that it's not getting enough fuel pressure, although I put a new mechanical fuel pump on it. The motor seems like it runs out of gas and leans out, especially when you hold the gas down for a bit. I suspect the cam is worn at the fuel pump lobe if anything because the clear fuel filter is not filling up like I think it should. It did the same thing with the old 1bbl carb too.
What do you guys think? Any opinions would be appreciated, thanks...

Dear 60;

A 1960 235" is not designed to go anywhere close to that speed. If you keep trying it will be in a bag.

What you have done will add a bit to acceleration & perhaps improve mileage on the highway.

The timing need be only a few dergees BTC.

Good luck, John M......

my chilton book shows the 60 chevy having 135 hp at 4000 rpm. it sounds like you are running out of fuel pressure.

I've seen the HP rating at 4000 rpm's, but practically, I wouldn't rev it over 3750 at the absolute highest. I wouldn't even think of taking my 235 to 4000, let alone 5000.

i think that a 235 can be built to run past 4,000 rpm, but to try that with an old, tired 235 off the street is to ask for expensive sights and sounds.

Properly prepared--with attention to the crank, mains, and rods, the cam and valve train, the cylinder head, and especially the vibration damper--a 235 should do anything you ask it to do, within reason. Yet it is a small-bore, long-stroke, "antique" motor; it will not turn high rpm repeatedly and live long. It will not produce much "horsepower." Its forte is low- and mid-range torque that may surprise those who sneer at "just a six," produced smoothly, with a lovely, unmistakable sound.

With a 235, built to do what it does well, your '60 Biscayne is not a just another "street rod," popped out of the same fibreglass mold as the others. It is a true "hot rod," built to exceed what it was designed to do. Against its true competition, it can do right well--and collect more speeding tickets than anyone wants.

God's Peace to you.

d

Thanks for your replies. I guess I'm just used to having v-8's for a long time with the type of revs you get out of them. I have a 383 big block in my 67 Chrysler & a 307 smallblock Chevy in my 83 GMC. Last time I had a 6 was in my 'ol 54 Chevy a few years back. Anyways my '60 Chev runs pretty good though...can't wait till the weather breaks to put her on the road!!!