401 nailhead rpm's

what should i set my rev limiter to for a stock 401 nailhead. don't want to blow it up i know it makes the power at 4400 rpms but any info greatly appr.

 

With those little valves, it'd be damn near impossible o over rev a 401. Stock engine, I'd guess it would max out around 5k.

 

5,000-5,200 rpm MAX

 

Have read of stock nails going to 5500 but I'd say 4800-5k MAX, lest you feel like replacing expensive broken things.

 

like TagMan said, i doubt you can overrev a stock 401. my stocker pulls hard to about 4800 then i shift, revvin it any more doesn't make it go any faster.

 

intersting....been meaning to ask this myself.....5k max

Thanks

 

Nailheads have a good stout bottom end, but that does not mean it is bulletproof. I agree that the heads will probably become the limiting factor, and will go along with the consensus that 5000 rpms is a safe limit.

 

Back to the top since the OP can't manage to hit the ****ons that take him to the next page of posts.

 

5000-5000 is pretty much the limit flow wise with the stockers, it's not cost effective to build them to beyond this either. 5000 is a good place to call it quits with one, I usually don't get over 4400-4500 with them anyway, use the torque that's there and you won't need to spin the thing.

your money is better spent on building it for idle to 5000 than trying to make it breath and spin...

 

What Z-man said.

It ain't a rotary.

 

I agree 100% with zman.
I usually plan on 4500-4800, cause they drop off quick after that.
Nailheads have a built in rev-limiter! haha

 

I got a bent nailhead valve on my desk. Stock Wildcat mill floated the valves @ 5300.

Rev limits have a lot of determining factors such as age of the valve springs, condition of lower end, timming chain etc.

 

Word to the wise, if you are puttting a early 60s 401 Nailhead in your hot rod just go ahead and change out the nylon gears (they will be cracked), the timing chain (my had about 12 degrees of slop in it), and the water pump. It is a lot easier to do it now than on the side of the road and best part is NAPA has everything to do it.

 

here.....

 

In 1970 I had a 1965 Buick Gran Sport,that was stock,except for a set of tube headers. Always shifted it at 6000 rpm,when drag racing. It was the most dependable and fun muscle car I ever had.

 

your tachometer musta been set up for a 6 cylinder!

 

Thanks again for great info i don't want toblow it up but i drive the car hard.

 

Either that or he drag raced it once or not at all....