VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Which was Faster

Of course the 1941 Special Deluxe Coupe was the fastest up and until all had the 1954 235 engine. So lets concentrate on the 1954.

My question is (we're talking stock here): Which was faster (wide open)?

The 1954 235 with powerglide w/3:55 rear end, or

The 1954 235 with standard shift and 3:70 rear end?

I'm a-saying the 54 (235) with standard and 3:70. My reasoning is based on my guess that the 3:55 was too tall a gear to beat the 3:70. Anyone dispute me?

I don't have the factory specifications, etc. So I'm just guessing.

Either one would take a couple miles, I suppose, to pass a 41. Just sayin'...

Charlie

First a Power Glide with a 3.55 and a stick with a 3.70 is turning almost the same RPM (engine) at top speed due to the slippage in the torque converter.
The 1954 235 is not a good choice because the PG has a higher lift cam than the stick and produced 125 HP at 4000 RPM and the stick 115 HP at 3700 RPM. Magazine road tests of 1954 generally listed the top speed of the stick at 90 MPH and the PG at 94 MPH. Now if you were to install a 3.55 in a stick it could actually reduce the top speed or not increase it at all due to the engine running under iits power peak speed.
At 90 MPH a stick with a 3.70 is turning about 3900 rpm which is where its power begins to drop off.
A 1941 with a 4.11 could get just above 80 MPH and ran out of power due to wind drag. A 3.73 rear end would increase top speed about 2 or 3 MPH .Would take a larger more powerful engine to get above that speed.(GM proving ground figures).
Prior to 1941 no Chevrolet could top an actual 80 mph in a two way run .
The fastest 235 sticks would be the 1956-1958 235's because they had a higher lift cam.

All I know for sure is that the combo I'm running ruins me for drag racing! The 216 with the power glide rear end ratio seems to give me a little longer legs at the top end, but getting there takes forever! Throw a slight hill in the mix, and it makes me wish I had 4-way flashers too!! I bring Jane along just in case I need a push over any of the hills!

I can remember a tour we did years ago, and my Dad and David Cameron compared the gas milage they were getting between David's 48 Aerosedan and our '51 sedan. The '48 was set up the same as ours, but got better gas milage. I think they actually took a step backwards in aerodynamics between 1948 and 1949, especially in the shape of the hood. We also have a visor that may have affected the outcome as well...

Let me take you back to 2 years ago in a little chapel in Kleinburg, Ontario……we got married and wrote our own vows. And my vows CLEARLY stated I will happily take pictures while YOU push the old cars!

I think that Brewster done stepped in it! Hope he learns to sleep with one eye open. Might just need to be more aware of his surroundings. Pushing might be a lot easier than explaining to Abagail why mom is cussing.

with Chipper!!!!

Brewster, you better be careful. You are in dangerous territory!!!

Look at what you started now Charlie!!!

Shame on you........

So, Jane, where are the pix??

Generally speaking the gas mileage dropped in 1950 when they changed to the Rochester carburetor. It came back again in 1952 with the new revised high cover Rochester..

Jane,

When Carol and I got married back in 58 there was nothing said about not pushing my car. You are a wise lady. We had a 52 Nash Ambassador at the time, but soon traded it for a 53 Cadillac coupe de Ville. Battery was shot. Lived on a hill with a level spot at the top. Often had her push the caddie to get it rolling downhill and then it would start. I'd come back and pick her up. Sometimes I'd forget.

Brewster, it was that stinkin sunvisor. You can count on it, Can too! I don't think you can pull anything over on Jane. So, I join the others who offer counsel to keep her happy. You might review the movie, "Misery", so you can visualize what can happen. Just sayin'...

Gene, You sure know how to kill a thread. Shucks, I didn't realize that there were two different engines in 54 cars. Well, the thread is skewed now anyways.

Charlie

BTW: I don't know if the 53 Cadillac had a Dynoflow or Hydramatic in it. I guess one you could push start and the other you couldn't. Anyway it worked for us.

In 1953 either transmission could be push started but the Hydramatic had to be pushed at a higher speed.
The Dynaflow had a Park position and the Hydramatic was placed in reverse for parking.

Gene,

I knew about the replacement of the hydramatic with the Dynoflow. I just can't recall if I had a park position or not. I burned the transmission up drag racing it. Had another one put in. Was okay again.

Then got orders for for Germany. Traded the Cadillac in on a new 59 Studebaker Silver Hawk. Wish I'd kept the Cadillac.

Brought the Studebaker back from Germany and traded it in on a 63 Olds 88 convertible that was used in the Master's parade in Agusta. I was stationed at Fort Gordon. Olds was one of seven they acquired for the parade. It was all white. White body, white interior and white top.

BTW: Couldn't push the 63 Olds hydramatic to start it. Tried it but didn't work.

Thanks for your input,

Charlie

I can't believe Bill installed a moderator in my own living room! Me thinks it should be in Charlie's living room! (a moderator, that is… not Jane!)

And for the record, that vow was broken an hour later… I always question the other ones. There were a lot of stupid ones. The "no folding laundry" one got slipped in there too… I made the mistake of going first, and telling her what she wanted to hear!



And sorry about skewing the thread, Charlie… but it was corrupt as soon as the first mention of '41's was made anyway!

Is the bride jumping out of the car and trying to get away in that picture?

Hey Charlie... This your ride??

Augusta GA, Masters Parade 1962

Not a speed freak anymore...I KNOW my 1950 216 stick was a turtle. though the new to me replacement may work a bit nicer than my original high school 1950 car in 1985. this one has a dual Carter W1-Offy intake/dual exhaust in the making...other than that bone stock. Though the original single in/out did hum down the road in the day (once 3rd gear got found).