" From: "Armand Eshleman" <aje1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> " " Somewhere I read that cruising RPM should be near or below the torque peak " of the engine. " This produces the best engine efficiency. " Most of our engines produce their best torque under 3000 rpm and probably " closer to 2500. So, if Casper cruises along at 2100 to 2500 rpm that's " probably ideal !! " " Armand " " Some one slap me if I'm not remembering this correctly. you're right, but -- the 199, 232, and 258 were spec'd to produce max torque -below- 2000, according to amc - 1800rpm for the 199. i've heard this wasn't really true and amc was just being coy, but i don't know. i do know my 199 will pull my american in top gear from near idle even up a slight grade. i can't imagine the 196 being more 'peaky' or 'cammy'... the engine is most -efficient- at torque peak, and you'll get best towing if you gear for cruising just above peak; if your speed sags, the engine will gain torque. but most efficient cruising might be at lower rpm and less manifold vacuum; you'd save on pumping and general mechanical losses. o/d gearing on most cars today suggests this is true. ________________________________________________________________________ Andrew Hay the genius nature internet rambler is to see what all have seen adh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and think what none thought _______________________________________________ AMC-list mailing list AMC-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://list.amc-list.com/listinfo.cgi/amc-list-amc-list.com