VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 Speed

Hi guys,

I was reading and old ad for the '34 Master and it claims a top speed of 80 mph . Isn't that a bit steep? I've been told a '34 Master is laboring at 55.

Just curious

:confused:

"I agree" without modifications at 55 it is wound up tighter than a banjo string!!

Sorry, Hoppy, but a '34 is just cruising at 55 mph. Now my '31 is talking to me at 55 but with the larger bearings and counterbalanced crank the '32 and later engines will just hummmmmmm along at 55+ speeds. Just turn down the hearing aids or put in better ear plugs and push the pedal a little closer to the floor. I used to drive my '31 Coach at 55-60 on the Interstate for extended periods (1+ hours) without any problems except a little vibration. Once you got over the angst all was good!

The actual proving ground top speed of a 1934 Master was 78 MPH.That would be a 4 door with 4 people aboard and a two way run.
One 1934 Master advertisement says to try it for a mile,60,70,80 MPH......I wouldn't suggest going much more than a mile at 80MPH (speedometer reading)...That would equal a little more than 3800 RPM.
I have driven my '34 on the interstates 55 to 60 MPH for the last 37 years with no problem.Other than some fan buzz its comparitively quite and smooth.Have had it up to 77 once and done 65 many times.
Compared to a modern car-yes the mechanical noises are present.
Note the the factory proving ground top speed of 1940 and prior years was in the 77-80 MPH range.1848 with a 4.11 was only 81 MPH.The first one to get well over 80 MPH was the 1950 Power glide.

Chipper, "Once you got over the angst all was good" what the heck does that mean? Sure glad to hear about those possible top speeds. My 31 will do 60 plus with the help of Larry Jackson`s 350 ring & pinion. So maybe I won`t have any problem doing 55-60MPH in my 33 when I get it done.

After my rebuilt 33 had been broken in, I tried 3 times to get it up to 65 and melted the babbit from a rod each time after reaching 63. I haven't tried it since, but it sure runs smooth at 55. I had the engine balanced too. I'm using the 3.50 ring and pinion in my 31 and I'll be happy if I can do 40 in my 25 sedan.

Roger

You speed nuts are nuts.

Sorta like Harry said, "A man has got to know his limitations." Also a good idea to keep your car's limitations in mind. 55-60, like Gene says, seems reasonable. And plenty fast enough for me.

I guess if you don't mind tearing them down frequently, spending the time and wasting your money; what the heck go for it.

For me, it's 'nice and easy' and forget about the bragging rights and the bench racing and the rest of it.

Bill.

What is the "350 ring and pinion"? Is there an alternative ring and pinion ratio available for Chevys prior to 1937?
ron

Hoppy,
Let me try to translate "Once you got over the angst all was good". Once you drive a '31 at 55 mph for a while and find that it does not destroy the engine they you get more comfortable and everything is ok.

Roger,
Are you sure that the rods were rebabbitted with the proper type babbitt? There are several types and only a few nickel babbitts are suitable for the higher speeds and stress of a Chevy engine. If the softer material intended for winches and other slow speed bearings is used it won't last particularly at higher speed.

Deleted double. Slow again!

Greencorn--Yes the 3:50 ring and pinion may still be available. I got mine from:
Larry Jackson
4615 Karnes Road
Santa Maria, Ca. 93455
805-374-4271
I installed them myself not so I could go fast, but to just keep up with the rest of the later models when on tour. I still enjoy driving at 45 mph but it will now do 60+ with no trouble. I think he was doing a run on gears for 37 trucks. Those gears for my 31 were a little pricy, I think they were about $850, but to me they were worth it.

Chipper! Ya wanna drag race for titles? My 31 against your 31(firetruck)?? If not for titles, how about the bugle???

The latest word is that the 3.50 ring and pinion gear set from Larry Jackson is no longer available and that another run of the gear sets is not going to be made.

:( :( :(

Chipper - Maybe those rods were done wrong. I wouldn't have known the difference at the time, 40 plus years ago. Can't remember exactly, but I think it was a different rod each time. I drove it a couple miles back home one of the times and hardly put a scratch in the journal. I could have three more of those, so I will be keeping it under 60.

Roger

I have a new crankshaft in my '34 plus new genuine Chevrolet rods.Also used the newer 1935-36 dippers that have a wider mouth.The later factory rods had the deeper oil groves also....and have a gear type oil pump.Often the poor replacement babbit plus if it was made "thicker" for an under sized crank would lead to failure.Also the pipes on the side of the block must line up with the gutters on the side of the pan.It was kind of a hit and miss oiling system prior to 1935.
Other than that 55 is an adquate speed for a '33.

Man!!!

What a response. Anyway, I have my answer. If I get it right, I should be able to cruise 50-55 all day long on a properly rebuilt 34 Chevy. I have bought a complete drivetrain from someone who rodded his because he was tired of toodling along at 45. I guess he was scared of the noise too. I used to drive a Model A with the pedal to the floor (45-50) all the time. It roared but didn't disintegrate. I assume :) the Chevy should do at least the same if not better.

Thanks, Landman

Yes, if its PROPERLY rebuilt....find out as much as you can as to how it was done.Such as amount bored oversize,crank shaft turned undersizes,type of bearings used,aluminum or iron pistons....with this history it will help if repairs are reqired in the future and well as the durability of the rebuild.