Top Speed???

[CS72Roadster]

I am running the base 350 with 3 spd auto tranny and am wondering what top speeds those of you with similar setups are getting. My tach isn't working and I've only run mine up to 100mph. I'm not sure what engine speed and don't want to push it until I fix the tach.

CS

 

[Eric]

Before I sold her, my 71 with L-48 and automatic had been up to just under 120. There was more there but I never wanted to push her too hard. Getting there seemed pretty effortless too.

 

[silver77vette]

Have had my 77 L82 up to 140 before good sense set in. Was still pulling. No problems.

 

[Erik S. Klein]

I had my previous 72 (a base 350 coupe with the automatic) up to nearly 140 with a slight decline and a mild tailwind.

The speedometer was actially reading over 160 but I knew from experience that it was off by about 10-15% through the first 80 ticks or so. . .

There was no doubt that the car was at her max speed but even so it was a smooth ride!

 

[madvette74]

speed

before i installed a 385 stroker i had the original l-82 with a .447 lift cam and slowed it down at 145 it was still pulling and my tach read just over 5500

 

[69MyWay]

In the pre-overdrive Vettes, top speed is equal to the gear ratio, tire size, and max RPM of your engine combo.

My 69 with the .060 over 454, multi port EFI, aluminum heads. blah, blah, blah tops out at 127. It gets there really fast, but it is sitting on 3.55 rear gears and a 26" tall rear tires. No overdrive in the muncie....and there you go (6,000 RPM).

In the very near future I will have the Richmond Six that gives a .62 overdrive. In other words, it cuts down on the final drive from 100% to 62% of engine RPM needed to maintain that same speed.

I doubt I will ever drive it faster than 130, but it will be able to reach into the 150 zone with the extra gear.

 

[Crickett]

Have had my 77 L82 up to 140 before good sense set in. Was still pulling. No problems.

Yeah, I've taken mine up to 140 as well and it was still pullin hard. :cool

 

[Robin7TFour]

CS , i have a dist drive tach out of my 74. it needs a new bezel and lens, but i believe its still in good working condition. le me know if you're interested. trades are allways welcome..


robin

 

[CS72Roadster]

I haven't taken the time to determine what is wrong with mine yet. It may be just the cable, but II may check with you if I need to replace the tach when I have a chance to look at it.

Thanks...

 

[81 Corvette]

been to 120. Not pulling worth a damn. That will change.

 

[johnd]

for sure I have been to over 145 because that is when the 96 vette I was next to could not pull anymore and I passed them so like 150-155 then I backed off just wanted to prove I could do it. I would like to run faster but I need z rated tires before I do that...

John Dykstra

 

[Don&Kelly]

We installed a 700R4 in Kelly's '81 & I've gone around 120 mph & it was still climbing ..

 

[1969D_Floyd]

Getting to 120ish is pretty easy in my 69 coupe. I hate to sound like a wimp but who feels safe in a 34 year old fiberglass car flying down the road at 120 mph with only a lap belt around your waist? I:confused

I was cruisin at 80 mph for an extended period of time this past weekend & found a puddle of oil underneath the car a few hours later. I need to search the CAC for advice on oil leaks at the rear of the engine.

 

[Evolution1980]

CS72Roadster

I would trust what 69MyWay has to say. It sounds about right. I know I'm around 3500rpm at 70, so 6K probably isn't too far off.

Now....people....far be it from me to be a pigeon...(fly in, poop on everyone, and leave)...but for anyone running the factory 350 L48 engine with no mods...saying that you were easily over 120mph??? C'mon guys... I believe the top speed even rated by the factory was about 123-127mph for a 1980. Taking into consideration that pre-80 were heavier by about 350lbs and less aerodynamic, blipping past 120mph like it was "still pulling hard" is hard to swallow. 145+ from a stock L81???? Uhhh...no. Get yer speedo checked or pace at least 2-3 other reputable cars. 140+ is far from the realm of factory stock '78-'82 (maybe even earlier, but I'm playing it safe).

Just keeping things reasonable..this wasn't a slam post. Sorry, I'll fly away now.

 

[MoeJr]

Stock 76-77 L82 Top speed with 3.08 rear was checked at 129 in mag tests of the time. My 77 Bone stock L48 with 60k on it stock tires and 3.08 rear got to 115 and had maybe another 5-7 mph in her but that is it. That car did have true duals though but engine was bone stock. 82's may have been able to hit 130 with the 700R4 and 2.87 rear. Just my .02