VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Running speed

Ok here is today's dumb question. I have a 1930 Chev sedan. 6 cylinder. What is a good cruising speed. My maiden voyage was successful with no break down. The old girl seam to run very nice at 45 mph. At 50 mph she wanted to cough thur carburetor. Should I be able to run 50 mph if so I need some carburetor work.
Happy 1930 owner !!!

Hello hhrshark,
For a rather dumb answer, I would say one year slower than my 31. But I regress/regret whatever. I would think that the carburetor is functioning pretty well if you have smooth acceleration thru the gears and up the hills. If you demand full throttle as in wanting to pass, does it bog down? That could be signs of a weak accelerator pump within the carb. Or possibly, that the timing is a little retarded. Check out Bill Barkers '1931chevrolet.com' website for spark plug gap and timing degree settings. Note: spark plug gap is for a specific brand of spark plug. These numbers are different then the original published figures. Also, check that you are running with fresh fuel. Old fuel may not perform as well. Remember, don't text and shift at the same time.

45 mph is a good cruising speed. If the engine is in good conditions it can be increased to 55 mph once you get used to the car. If you get missing at high speeds I would first check the condition of the points. Then double check timing. It is possible to be due to crud buildup in the carburetor restriction flow.

45 MPH is a perfect cruising speed for a 1930 Chevrolet with a stock ring and pinion.

Ok thanks. Happy with 45 mph just wanted to make sure car was performing they way she should. First time ever driving a car this old. Hope to talk to other owners about does and don'ts on driving habits at car shows in my area this summer.
Larry H.

Hi Larry,
I get between 75 and 80mph on my 29 Tourer.
Congrats and enjoy the old girl, she will change your life.
You will meet great guys and get goooood info and tips on this forum.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

Ps, sorry forgot to tell you guys, but my speedo hovers around 75 to 80 ever when parked in the garage.

On the same token some of my 1928 and 1931s cruise down the interstate at 65-70 for a hundred or so miles at a time. At that speed they don't make enough nasty noises to be of a major concern. Actually don't make much noise at all as they are resting comfortably either on or inside a trailer.

I routinely drove my '31 Coach (sold a long time ago) at 55 mph on the interstates for 50+ miles at a stretch. Yes it made noise and vibrated some but it didn't cause any problems. Took some time go get used to running at that speed but felt much safer given the speed of other traffic. That does not mean that 45 was not a much more comfortable speed given suspension, steering, engine vibration and tire size when the traffic and road conditions.

Lol. And you get 100 miles per gallon.. When it's running 75 in your garage.

Thanks for making me smile. I'm at work. I needed that.