Can't rev past 4400rpm: what's wrong?
 

we just got done putting in a new timing chain set on the 302 but i don't know if this is the problem i don't think it is. But i got on the gas today when i was coming home and it was like hitting the rev limiter, got up to 4400-4500 and wouldn't go any further. I usually shift around 5000 rpm's when i'm racing. So i tried from a stop, 1st gear i got it to finally go 5k but 2nd, 3rd, it WOULD NOT go past 4500. So what the heck? I think maybe it's either the valve springs are getting weak and need to be replaced. Or what about the summer heat here in Arizona? could that be a possibility? Not really sure what's going on but i bet it's probably the valve springs because the engine is original and it has close to 180,000 miles on it. Can someone give me any other ideas of what it might be? or is it the valve springs getting old & weak?:confused: :(

If this happened right after replacing the timing chain i'd have to say it's a problem with cam timing. If you don't build enough cylinder pressure/airflow your engine won't be able to rev past a certain point, sort of like a rev limiter. Unfortunately i'd have to say go back and double check that the timing chain is installed correctly or check and make sure it's the right timing chain and/or that it's not adjustable.

My GT was doing the same thing. I'm pretty sure it's valve springs, I'll let you know wehen I get mine back together later this week.

i talked to my dad.
 

well my dad is the one who installed it, (he's a mechanic for Goodyear) so i know it's installed correctly. He thinks it might be the timing also, like what you said. He says we may have to adjust it a bit. But thanks for your input.:)

Check the fuel psi. also try a new filter.

Been there done that. I'll bet $10 that you're off a tooth on the timing chain. Better pull it all apart and check it again. Did you verify timing events before you reassembled it? It happens to the best of us so bite the bullet and pull it apart.

good to go now
 

adjusted the timing, tried it out, it's good to go now. thanks for the input though guys.