Based on what I can interpret from the Master Parts List your car has a 4.11:1 rear axle ratio. With the original splash lubricated babbitt bearing engine I expect that 60 mph is all you want to sustain even for short periods of time.
The other point to remember is that the overall chassis (brakes, suspension, and steering) were designed when top speeds were maybe 45 mph. There were a lot of unpaved roads then. So even though you can rev the engine up to get higher road speeds you want to make sure you can maintain control and stop the car.
Last edited by Rusty 37 Master; 08/15/2211:27 AM. Reason: Spelling
IT DEPENDS ON ENGINE AND GENERAL DRIVE LINE CONDITIONS. I drove my 1934 at 55 to 60 MPH for long distances with no problems and the present owner drove it to Colorado (1000 miles) at those speeds. Had it up to 70-75 on a few ocasions. The 1934 engine was much like a 1936 except the 1936 has better connecting rod bearing lubrication. As a steady speed a steady 60 should be no probblem IF THE RODS ARE NOT LOOSE OIL PUMP SREEN CLEAN AND OILING SYSTEM WORKNG AS NEW.
I should add if the timing gear oiling passage is sludged-up a timing gear failure will occur.,,,,,at 40 or 60 MPH.
Thanks for the info. I don't plan on driving at high speeds 55-65 for long distances as I have had it at 55 for a minute. Just wondering in case I need to travel on freeway for a bit to a car show. Roads here in AZ are really good.
Your ideas of prudent speeds are similar to how I drive my "37. I will drive distances at 55 -60 mph. It has a 3.73 rear gear so is very comfortable at that speed.
Whatever highway speed you drive you do have to adapt to the fan noise. Those fans were designed to move enough air to cool the car at the lower speeds you traveled in the 30's. So they move a lot of air at 55 and up.
I agree that the roads in your area are great compared to what we "enjoy" here in the Midwest. Except right now I see you are having monsoons that create localized flooding.
I have driven my 32 at 55+ for distances of 20-25 miles at 55-60 MPH on interstate roads with low volume traffic with no detrimental results . The longest run was 98 miles though that was not all steady driving at that speed. I much prefer 35-45 as it's much quieter and more enjoyable.
I will agree that the fan noise is excessive on a car from 1937-1940 that came from the factory with a 3.73 axle ratio. I used to install one of those fans on my '39 for prades to keep the temperature down and the fan noise above 40 MPH made it sound as if you were in 2nd gear. If often drove the '39 with 4.22 gears from 60 to 65 MPH and after I installed the 3.73 gears 65 to 70.
