Can this car be used safely on the highway?
 

I don't know if my motor will take the highway for a trip, can someone tell me if it will be okay for a 260 mile trip or not. Or is there a way I can adjust it for a trip.

351C 4V Quench
Stock Rods
Stock Crank .10 under
Speed Pro Forged Flat Tops
11:1 Compression
Solid Roller Cam 648/634 Gross Lift 252/262 Dur @050
Comp Cams Everything Moly Push Rods
Comp Cams Pro Mag Moly Roller Rockers 1.73
Stock new Water Pump
Milodon Street and Strip 7 Qt Oil Pan
Milodon Hi Vol/Hi pres Oil Pump
Windage Tray
Electric Fuel Pump
Mighty Demon 850 cfm annular carb
MSD Billet Dist
Crane Hi-6 Ignition
Tremec TKO
4.10 Gears
MT ET Streets
16" Tires

I don't see why not.

The 4.10 rear is going to wind out your motor.

I would just keep it under 3,000 RPM no matter what the MPH is.

I have spare center sections with different gears. When hitting the road theres nothing like a 2.73 gear.

Well the 5 speed would help wouldn't it?

I wouldn't put a motor with .648" lift and 4.10's on the open highway. 11:1 compression ... are you gonna use pump gas for 260 miles ? Its not that it wouldn't make it but i just wouldn't do it ... you better have a top notch cooling system !

Heck 260 miles isn't a big deal. With the 5 speed, fifth should be OD. Run good gas, keep rpm below 3k and keep an eye on the temp. That should do it.

Thanks for the info. I figured it wouldn't be too awful bad, we've got 94 octane up here and my tires are TALL. Like 28-29". It'd be good for a break in on the new motor! :)

I don't think it'll be that bad at all. does have the overdrive and even though compression is 11-1 also has the long duration cam and that will help somewhat with regards to detonation with pump gas. can also back off timing to see if that would help if it does ping.

when do you plan on taking this trip?? if not real soon then maybe take a short highway ride to see how it goes before heading on a 260 mile trip.

A lot of my concern was also with the solid valvetrain. Does that pose a problem with the lack of oil or anything. I wonder if they aren't intended to be used for long durations.

Yeah, I'll definitely take a short trip first and back off the timing. Now for gas mileage!!! OUCH! I probably spend 1/4 tank going around the block. Way's to fix that temporarily even at the sacrifice of performance of course?

The solid rollers shouldn't be any problem either.

You do run good oil ??? That's all you need.

One of the worst things you can do to a new motor is get on a freeway and let it run at a constant speed for a long period of time. Vary the RPMs and the load and whatever you do don't let it overheat !

Hmm, I've heard just the opposite, but I will take all your advice and do some more research. Can't take any risks, this engine cost me $5000

You'll be fine. How the hell would highway driving not break in your motor?????? Staying at a constant rpm isn't going to hurt it at all. That's why most engine builders recommend you to keep it a steady rpm when you break in a motor.

um just got my motor done this year also and my engine builder told me to not run the same speeds for long periods of time i will not break the engine in correctly also the fact that he builds alot of motors for hot rods as well as dragsters i will go with his aproach

I would also say it's fine... only thing that may kill you is gas money. :D That combo isn't much of a fuel econmy car. :D Just make sure it doesn't overheat and your fine. I would do a oil change or make sure the oil is good. Run 94 and you should be fine. You most likely won't make that trip without stopping to grab something to eat, or washroom break so just let it sit for a few minutes when you stop to cool down if you notice it starts running hot.

Besh wishes for your trip!
§am.

Ditto what HotRoddin said. Keep those rpm's changing.

Boy you guys got some bad info. I've done all my motors the same way and guess what?? None of them have blown up :)

Most engine builders tell you not to let it run below 1500 to 2000 RPM for the first 20 min. Thats for initial surface breakin. You want a demonstration of that ... put some oil on your fingers then mash them together tight like you're gonna snap them, only move them very slowly and notice how they stick then let go then stick then let go in little hops ... now do the same thing only move your fingers really fast and notice how they slip across each other really smooth on a film of oil. If you let it run to slow that first 20 min those mating metal surfaces will gall each other (like your fingers sticking together) instead of slipping over each other on a film of oil.
After that, the one thing you don't want to do is run it at a constant speed because it can make the cylinders begin to take on an oval shape instead of a round one ... you'd be much better off drag racing it to break it in than running it at a constant speed.

With that list of parts you have I am sure you have got a nice little pony there. With the TKO you should be good for a road trip, but I did notice the stock water pump, and you didn't list any upgraded radiator. I would upgrade both of those before I took anyroad trips with the car, even if it is just to break it in. As far as the break in goes, you can see there are a few different opinions. Would think it is still the safe bet to drive it around town, if you want to take a 25 - 50 mile drive on the freeway, and keep checking the oil, temp, might have to adjust the rockers, so I wouldn't do the 260 road trip until after the motor is broken in.

Just my 2 cents.