cruising rpm question....

[camaro mike]

i have a nova with a powerglide and a 454. it has a 8.5 rear with 3.73 gears and 26inch tall tires. can anyone tell me what the cruising rpm is for me when i am cruising around town? it sounds high, but i do not have a tach in it, and i was hoping to run down the highway soon.

thanks alot...

[R Pope]

Works out to about 2880 RPM at 60 mph. Add a bit for converter slippage and you're right around the 3 grand mark. Taller tires are the quick and easy way to pull the r's down. 29" would give you around 2600 at 60. If yours is a first gen Nova the wheel wells might not allow that big, though.