Posted by Gary Taylor on April 26, 1998 at 18:17:11:
In Reply to: 231 Tuning Questions posted by Henry Jacobs on April 24, 1998 at 00:20:31:
A vacume gauge can help in tuning your engine. Follow the check list in the previous replies. then set the timing for maximum vacume at 50mph.At steady rpm. This is generaly the most efficiant, as the engine will produce it`s highest vacume when operating at peak efficency. and will run cooler also. and is near peak power for that rpm. You might find a heat shield at Jacks
military surplus in Tucson. As far as rpm redline goes be carefull ! The problem is the rod bolts are probably the original ones. This is the weak link. The older the bolts,the more prone they become to breakage at high rpm. On any old engine the bolts should be relaced during overhaul, and the rods resized afterward ,to return the rod to proper specs. 3000 rpm is probably safe on an engine in good shape. any higher, and your beyond the peak torque and horse power anyway. unless you put a cam in that`s got more duration and lift. If you mant more speed then try going to a larger diameter tire. You can go up a couple of inches with out to much loss in low speed power. Be warned your speedo will read slower than your true speed if you do.