I'll be doing Power Tour in June and its 9 hours of interstate driving to get to the first venue. With my Muncie and 3.42 gears that's about 3100 rpm to maintain 70 MPH. So I'd be in the slow lane LOL.

So, how do we feel about running a 355 SBC at that RPM for that long? I've done it on the bypass and what not around here and it is fine but loud for sure. Its a new BPE engine with just under 4k on it and has given me no trouble.

You’re about 3700 miles past break in, so it’s not really considered new (unless it’s under 3 months old)( JMHO). If you drive drive 60, 65, or 70, you’re still getting there at the same time anyway, and you’ll have to stop to empty the bladder and fill the tank regardless. At 70 you’ll have to stop sooner for fuel, but you’re not gaining any time at the end of the day. And at 70, if you hit any traffic, whatever time you thought you had gained, is lost. Drive smart.

 

New here means its not a 56 year old engine. Its less about time to get there as it is keeping up with traffic. If you drive 70 mph on I40 you might get run over. LOL.

 

I did hot rod power tour back in 2018. 3.73's with a turbo 350 at 3100 around 70mph. No issues. My motor is 20 yrs old. My dad did same trip in his streed rod with a th400 and 350 gears and AC on with no issues

 

Get in it and drive. If you aren't comfortable trying to keep up on the interstate, take state highways. It'll take you longer, but you will see more. Friend of mine drove his 70 Monte from LA back home to the middle of Missouri with a tunnel rammed 396/M21/4.10 gears back in the day. He spent the whole trip at 4k rpm without any issues except frequent fuel stops.

 

 

My father drove his '68 from Colorado to Alabama back when I was child. He had a 4 speed and BBC in it at the time. I also had a 383 with the ST10 and would routinely hold that RPM. It's a little higher winding engine, but still. I eventually went with an OD trans because gas mileage, noise, and overall life of engine. But I think you'll be fine. More gas and oil changes with what you're running is all. My two cents.

 

The SBC is one of the most dependable engines in the industry. J.D. Case used them in their combines which ran at a constant 3,500 rpm literally "all day long". Other industries also use the engine to power various equipment at sustained high rpm.
If built to factory specifications and clearances, it will run under 5,000 rpm continuously as long as it has oil and cooling. As long as you are not in the yellow or red line areas of the tachometer, you are good. If you are running a multigrade oil, you might consider a 15w-40 weight for the trip.

 

I have a tired, 350 in my 55 with 3:55 gears. It's on up there in Rs just like yours. We travel in groups and if I am pulling the camper with it, 60 is my top speed. I'm usually only 10-15 minutes late to the party. Moral- your car will handle 3100, but if you feel better and safer at 26-28, by all means, drive your speed. You will get there just fine.

 

Ride your own Ride... Drive your own Drive. lol

 

I have a BPE also with TH350 and drive at 70mph/3krpm all day. Would not hesitate to do 9 hrs straight at that RPM

 

I'll be doing Power Tour in June and its 9 hours of interstate driving to get to the first venue. With my Muncie and 3.42 gears that's about 3100 rpm to maintain 70 MPH. So I'd be in the slow lane LOL.

So, how do we feel about running a 355 SBC at that RPM for that long? I've done it on the bypass and what not around here and it is fine but loud for sure. Its a new BPE engine with just under 4k on it and has given me no trouble.

https://www.camaros.net/threads/hotrod-power-tour-2024-anyone-going.491526/?post_id=1783409052#post-1783409052

 

Get in it and drive. If you aren't comfortable trying to keep up on the interstate, take state highways. It'll take you longer, but you will see more. Friend of mine drove his 70 Monte from LA back home to the middle of Missouri with a tunnel rammed 396/M21/4.10 gears back in the day. He spent the whole trip at 4k rpm without any issues except frequent fuel stops.

I do prefer the scenic route but since I grew up in KY I've actually taken that route many times. Its a great drive but it adds about 3 hours to the trip.

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys. We'll try interstate and see how I feel about it. I think we have a route option that makes about half of it 4 lane but not interstate so the speed may be less. And it's just as fast as going Interstate the entire way.

 

I have never done a Power Tour, but I am thinking you won't be the only one in this situation. Drive the car where it feels comfortable, others will be doing the same.

 

My understanding is that the actual tour route does minimal highway

 

I've done the PT a couple times and yes, they try and stay off the interstate most of the time if you follow the route.
I think the OP is talking about driving on his own the 8 or so hours to get to the start of PT.