So, the tach is fixed on my rig. I guess I'll pay attention to it now.

What should I treat as the red line?

I saw in another post here that keeping it in the 2,200 - 3,000 RPM range is a good target.

Anyone agree? Disagree?

"Red Line" aka "do not rev beyond" for a high-deck 454 (which you have, as opposed to a passenger car/light-duty/standard big block) is 3300 RPM .

Actually, I think the engine in the coach is the standard "high perf pass" big block. 4.25 bore x 4.00 stroke. The redline will be higher.

Here is the front of my 86: (Actually, it is Mary Ray's now)



Here is some factory info on the 454 engine:



The dyno curves run to at least 4000 rpm.

According to the factory my 454HO redlines at 5500 rpm, but the dyno curves run to only 5250 rpm.



At 60 mph, it runs about 2950 rpm. At 70, about 3500 rpm. 80, about 4000. Still pulling well…

I usually cruise 60-65 mph. (2900-3200rpm) The 454 engines used in heavy marine service cruise in the 3000-3600 range and hold up well.

quote:

Originally posted by USMC Gunner:
"Red Line" aka "do not rev beyond" for a high-deck 454 (which you have, as opposed to a passenger car/light-duty/standard big block) is 3300 RPM .

The 3300 is a typo; everyone, including meself knows it is and has always been 3600 RPM. On the "high deck": my '86 Regal had a 454 with one additional ring on each piston - commonly called a "high deck". This was the "truck" version of the big block.

The marinized versions are intended to reach maximum rpm with proper props at 4200 to 4400rpm. This is not the red line as used for autos but is intended to be the maximum top end for the engine, it will suck fuel and probably multiply the wear rate on all systems. I would expect red line to be closer to 5500. Remember that except for tractors, stationary engines and boats most applications involve a wide range of rpm via either transmission shifts or speed changes, not to mention vehicles generally are not always pushing uphill like the afore mentioned applications which never coast downhill.