"Recommended Engine Red Line"

[Fleet 500]

From 1962 to late-1965, the Motor Trend test data listed the recommended engine red line for test cars.

I have quite a few issues from that time period (not all of them) so here is a list from those issues.

Year/Make/Model---------- Engine (cu in) HP @ rpm----- Max. Red Line
1962 Oldsmobile F-85 V-8-- 215-4 bbl--- 215@4600---- 5500 rpm
1962 Chrysler Newport----- 361-2------- 265@4400---- 5500
1962 Ford Thunderbird----- 390-4------- 300@4600---- 5200
1962 Mercedes Diesel------ 121.3------- 60@4200----- 4300
1962 Buick Wildcat--------- 401-4------ 325@4400---- 5500
1962 Corvette------------- 327-FI------ 360@6000---- 6300
1962 Renault Dauphine 1093 51.54------- 55@5600----- 6200

1963 Plymouth Fury-------- 383-4------- 330@4600---- 6000
1963 Corvette------------- 327-FI------- 360@6000---- 6500
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix---- 389-4-------- 303@4600---- 5200
1963 Ford Cobra----------- 289-4-------- 271@6000---- 7200
1963 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet--- 90.37--------- 80@5200----- 5700
1963 Studebaker Lark
----- Daytona------------- 259-2-------- 180@4500---- 5000

1964 Dodge Dart V-8------- 273-2-------- 180@4200---- 5200
1964 Chevy Nova SS------- 283-2-------- 195@4800---- 4800
1964 Plymouth Savoy------ 318-2-------- 230@4400---- 5200
1964 Chevy Impala--------- 327-2-------- 250@4400---- 5200
1964 Pontiac Catalina------ 421-3x2------ 370@5200---- 6000
1964 Plymouth Sport Fury-- 426-4-------- 365@4800---- 5500
1964 Ford Fairlane 500----- 289-2-------- 195@4400---- 5200
1964 Pontiac GTO--------- 389-4--------- 325@4800---- 5500
1964 Mercedes 300 SE----- 182.8--------- 185@5200---- 6000

1965 Ford Mustang-------- 289-4--------- 271@6000---- 6500
1965 Plymouth Barracuda-- 273-4--------- 235@5200---- 6000
1965 Chevrolet Corvair---- 164 turbo------ 180@4000---- 4000
1965 Chrysler 300-L------- 413-4--------- 360@4800---- 5500
1965 Oldsmobile Delta 88-- 425-2--------- 310@4400---- 5200
1965 Chevrolet Chevelle--- 396-4--------- 375@5600---- 5800
1965 Cadillac DeVille Conv. 429-4--------- 340@4600---- 5200
1965 Plymouth Belvedere-- 225-1 (6-cyl)-- 145@4000---- 4500
1965 Plymouth Sport Fury- 426-4---------- 365@4800--- 5500
1965 Toyota Corona------ 115.7-2-------- 90@4600----- 6300

A late 1965 issue also had a '66 Ford Fairlane GT/A test:
1966 Ford Fairlane GT/A-- 390-4---------- 335@4800---- 5600

Note: The 1963 Ford Cobra may be a '64 model... the test is from the Sept., 1963 issue and the year of the car is not mentioned.

[Roentgen]

>.< stop making threads about these old muscle cars... every one seems to be the same.

[f6fhellcat13]

>.< stop making threads about these old muscle cars... every one seems to be the same.

What they eventually devolve into is indeed annoying, but I see no problem with this as of now. Some of us like muscle cars. It is interesting information, and will continue to be so until Fleet or some other person claims superiority for American or Euro engines, respectively.

EDIT: What excatly does "recommended redline" mean? I assume that none of these come with limiters, but is the maximum that then engine can be safely revved to? The optimal shift rpm?

Before anyone else says it: I think this proves that large lazy American V8s are more revvy and zippy than any comparable European or Japanese engines. Ever.

[henk4]

>.< stop making threads about these old muscle cars... every one seems to be the same.

first time I hear somebody calling the Renault Dauphine a muscle car...

[Roentgen]

first time I hear somebody calling the Renault Dauphine a muscle car...

One exception. Shock Horror.

You see I have nothing against muscle cars, and I have nothing against people liking them. But every thread that Fleet makes seems to be somewhat related to his own cars.

It's ok to love your cars a lot. Even too much. But others don't need to be involved. ... of course unless you want to be

[henk4]

One exception. Shock Horror.

the mighty powerful Toyota Corona is also listed.....
What IS strange about the thread is the absence of any indicated purpose. What does it need to prove?

[f6fhellcat13]

the mighty powerful Toyota Corona is also listed.....
What IS strange about the thread is the absence of any indicated purpose. What does it need to prove?

See my above post.

[Type17]

Those are some nice ass recommended red lines, fleet... some of my favourites :P...

Not sure what you had in mind for this thread.

[Fleet 500]

What they eventually devolve into is indeed annoying, but I see no problem with this as of now. Some of us like muscle cars. It is interesting information, and will continue to be so until Fleet or some other person claims superiority for American or Euro engines, respectively.

EDIT: What excatly does "recommended redline" mean? I assume that none of these come with limiters, but is the maximum that then engine can be safely revved to? The optimal shift rpm?

Before anyone else says it: I think this proves that large lazy American V8s are more revvy and zippy than any comparable European or Japanese engines. Ever.

They don't say if it's factory recommended redline, but I have a feeling it is.
No, it is not optimal shift rpm; the maximum safe rpm.

[Fleet 500]

Those are some nice ass recommended red lines, fleet... some of my favourites :P...

Not sure what you had in mind for this thread.

The purpose of this thread is for general information and in case anyone here owns one of the listed cars and/or engines.

I have noticed on other car-related forums members asking what the redline on their particular engine is and I like to know what it is on my cars, too. Not that I bring my engines up to their redline... I don't.

[Fleet 500]

the mighty powerful Toyota Corona is also listed.....
What IS strange about the thread is the absence of any indicated purpose. What does it need to prove?

Two Mercedes cars are also listed.

[LeonOfTheDead]

So I should trust Motor Trend to say which rpm a safe red line for my engine?
And how did it get these figures?

[ruim20]

Also, what engine is this - 1965 Chevrolet Corvair---- 164 turbo------ 180@4000---- 4000 - ?

A turbo with a redline at 4000, turbo diesel?

TIA!

[Wouter Melissen]

Also, what engine is this - 1965 Chevrolet Corvair---- 164 turbo------ 180@4000---- 4000 - ?

A turbo with a redline at 4000, turbo diesel?

TIA!

An air-cooled flat six I believe.

[Matra et Alpine]

The list is great and threads like this are brilinat imho.
So often many don't know figures for old cars.
YES, the risk is getting another FLeet v. World "debate" ... but that can be monitored. Let's not lose the info because of the bias