What is RPM redline for a mild 440 anyway?

[keithcuda]

I think i'm losing some top end power on my 440 cuda.
May need a rebuild or serious tune up before this summer realy kicks in.
When doing the 1/4 i'm getting better times changing at 4500 or less, i'm just getting into 3rd just before the line @100 or 101mph, 1/4 in 13.4secs.
I know i'd get better times if i change the 3.23 to say 3.55 or 3.7ish maybe even 3.91, that aside.
I have am M1 single plane intake so would expect power higher up the rpm range.
I don't know whats inside as i didn't build (another reason to do a rebuild).
At what rpm should i be trying to get max power? and waht should i expect the redline to be? i used to get to 6000.

whats your red line?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I can't help much, but the carb., intake manifold, and cam all pretty much have to mesh together. What carb., and what size is it? Since the cam is an unknown, we can hope it's power-band starts at 2500 RPM, for your sake. Do you have a nice lope at idle? Judging by your times, maybe this is still a stock cam? 

  Mike

[zerfetzen]

Welcome aboard, and I can't wait to learn good mild 440 shift strategies.  I'll just piggy back along on this one.

[keithcuda]

The carb is a 760 street avenger, no lop so you might be right there MEK, but was told the cam was not stock.
One of the previous owners (i got in touch with a couple) said he had an engine build sheet, he read out a few facts, can't find them now, but i can't just take his word.
The MSD digital 6 ignition and distributor may have something to do with the smoother idle (700rpm by the way).
These are all modifications i've made. I've also had to reduce the jet sizes in the carb to get the mixture down, used the Innovate motorsports LM1.
All this pionts towards a mild ish cam.
Or i may give it more advance.
I was thinking of going for one of the new dual plane indy intakes.
We'll see, a friend of mine is organising a rolling road dyno workshop for the day, limiting it to 5 cars or so, i may find out more then (like best change points etc.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

OK,
  Thanks for the additional info.  Going to a dual plane intake will actually go against what you are trying to achieve. Just by experience, the double-pumper Holleys were a little more responsive to me with a 440 and bigger cam.

  Mike

[keithcuda]

The dual plane i'm thinking of is the indy street manofold used on the Mopar Action Bold Beeper Project. See June issue.
Supposed to be a dual plane on steroids.
I'm going to check the TDC acurately this weekend and then reset the timing. Make a leakdown check on the cylinders too, to see if that rebuild is needed. I get a puff of smoke from the valve cover vent every now and then. 
I'm sure the engine revved higher last year.  I need to do this now so its ready for the dyno.
I'm kind of lucky over here, cos we have a slightly higher octaine fuel, that means 1-2 degrees more advance i think i did a conservative 34-35 degrees total last time.

[sccarts1]

AS A RULE OF THUMB STREET RB'S DEVELOP PEAK POWER IN THE MID 5000'S. THEY ALSO TEND TO STARVE OUT
AT THE TOP SO A BIGGER OR SUPPLEMENTAL FUEL PUMP MIGHT HELP.

[keithcuda]

Fuel supply should not be a  problem.
I have an Aeromotive electric fuel pump, bypass pressure regulator, and sumped tank, AN8 lines.
Although the pump is realy noisy. I can clearly hear it over the engine, it may be faulty. I have a spare i may try.
I can blip the throttle way over 6000 no problem. If the pump is faulty you might be right about the starvation after 1 or 2 seconds at that rpm.
I'll try swapping the pumps.

[Chryco Psycho]

the valave springs could be getting weak causing valve float & losing top end power
 the intake you have is good for 6500 rpm , but the cam may not be

[falcon50flier]

..and if you're referring to the factory tach, you may not be turning it anywhere near where you think. I've seen 7-800 rpm errors in both directions, especially with non points ignition. Also, are you running a tach generator between your MSD and tach?

[Chryco Psycho]

BTW I shifted my old 440 at 7000-7200 for 9 seasons , never hurt it

[keithcuda]

The tach is accurate. I have an AutoMeter Cobalt Tach and change light connected direct to the MSD Digital 6 control box. Double checked with my Timing light that has a built in Tach reading. I'll also disable the over rev protection on the MSD, in case thats kicking in early.
If the readings on the damper are not accurate then nor is my advance. Like i said i didn't build this engine so i'm unsure of its been set right.
IS there an easy way to set TDC
I'm going to check this next chance i get and put the timing tape on the damper.

[wart1de]

If the rev limiter was kicking in the engine would be miss firing.

[keithcuda]

No Missfire.