1958 chevrolet

I have a 1958 chevrolet del-ray, it has a 327 chevy engine, 3 speed on the column. When driving at 65 miles per hour the tachometer is reading 3200 rpms, is this turning the engine a little high as far as driving on the freeway? The car was originally a 6 cylinder with the 3 speed on the column.It still has and the 3 speed short tailshaft transmission, any body have any ideas, maybe go to a 3;55 or 308 rear end? Thanks, Lloyd Tremayne

 

should be turning 24 to 26.....i would try 3:08's

any idea what the rear is???

 

Depending on your tire size, that RPM points to 4.11 or 4.56 gears. Probably 4.11's. A 3.08 gear set should be easy to find, and will make a big difference,like 2400 RPM at 65.

 

Look for a pumpkin out of a 59 to 64 V8 automatic car. That should get you a set of 3.08 gears.

 

Put a t-5 in it or a 3 speed with od

 

Your gearset is probably 4.11. That gearset is worth more than a 3 series. You could prbably find someone to trade you and get them to do the work swapping it out to make up the difference.

Use an RPM calculator to get about 2200-2400 RPM at cruise speed
http://www.csgnetwork.com/rpmcalc.html