RPM's

Hello!!

I have owned my 1970 Panel Bus for 6 years and finally just recently
installed a Porsche 912 Tachometer.
I was amazed at the RPM I had been driving my Bus at.
My speedometer doesnt work right and I haven't changed the cable, but it
would be off anyways I figure because my bus is wearing some big boots.
Anyways I have a stock 1600 single port engine with a slightly bigger cam.
The RPM's I have run before installing the Tach were ~3600 RPM's at top
cruising speed!
Now I've slowed down to between 3000 and 3200 RPM's.
I don't know if the previous RPM's were too high, but it seems like my
gas-mileage has improved a bit.
So I would like to know if the RPM's I'm running now are safe for a longer
lasting engine, as well as if my previous RPM's were way too high.

Thanks for your insight, I've enjoyed reading posts here for several weeks
and finally created an account.
Happy Trails to you all! (:#

I worried a little about rpm's in my bus also (68 with 1600 dual carbs)
but was assured that lower gearing is the reason it runs about 1000
rpm's higher than the bug at the same speed. Just keep an eye on the
temp and remember that they figure less total miliage before an overhaul
for that reason. I run mine about 3800 rpm on the road which is between
55 and 60. The temp is right on the money and the oil pressure is
great. Don't worry. Dennis

href="http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4025706&a=30209382&vt=vp">Den's
1977 Puma</a>