ideal numbers

[Skagen9]

Maybe these questions will be answered in the owner's manual I have on order...
I've heard some say that they run their engines around 4000rpm, which seems high to me. What is the ideal rpm at cruising speed, at shifting up, and at idle. My 1983 idles between 1400 and 1800rpm, but I remember my 1980 and 1981 idled at around 1100rpm.
My oil pressure ranges from 50psi at idle up to about 75psi during acceleration. Does that sound normal?
When I floor it, I hear the valves tapping. Is there an additive I can try to reduce this or is a valve job the only cure?

[azygoustoyou]

I know my manual specifies Max speed for each gear. It doesn't say anything about RPM's though.
Up to 1978 .......... 79 on
1st-28................... 28
2nd-50................... 50
3rd-75................... 76
4th-102................. 104
5th,over-105........ over 105

[Skagen9]

Thanks, Brady. Those speeds seem high too. Are these km or mph? I'm usually shifting out of 3rd and into 4th at 50mph. And 4th gear up to 104mph? I haven't even had the car up to 80mph yet.

I know my manual specifies Max speed for each gear. It doesn't say anything about RPM's though.
Up to 1978 .......... 79 on
1st-28................... 28
2nd-50................... 50
3rd-75................... 76
4th-102................. 104
5th,over-105........ over 105

[azygoustoyou]

That would be MPH

[mdrburchette]

My 1608 has close to the same readings:
1-28
2-50
3-75
4-103
5-108
R-28

While driving around town, I usually shift around 3k to 3500 rpm. If I'm on the highway and need a little more umph, I shift at around 4 to 5k. If I'm running mountain roads or autocrossing, I've redlined it several times. Of course, mine redlines a bit higher than yours, but these engines are happy at higher rpms. At a steady 70 mph, I'm around 4k. Mine idles at around 800 rpm. As for oil pressure, my owner's manual states up to 85 lbs of pressure is within range. Mine is up around 75 lbs when the oil is cold or at higher speeds. The tapping you hear may be indicating it's time for a valve adjustment. This is considered a maintenance item.