rpm range for shovel engine,,,

[grouser]

did a search,,,nuten,,,, can someone tell me the normal operating rpm range for a 77 shovel,,,, like what is a good cruzing rpm,,,, what is the "yellow"zone and where to stop at (red line),, thanks

[Dave63]

Cruising would be 2000-3000 rpms. Redline is 5000. A shovel isnt a high rev engine. Especially if stock. Stock hydraulic tappets can float. Solids are better.

[grouser]

thanks bud,,,,,how do they handle luggin,,,, or well ,, I like to keep it slow and thumping if ya know what I mean,,,, no pinging,,,just throaty I guess if that makes any sense,,

[mrmetal]

Too slow of engine speed is hard on the crankpin and crank bearings. It's like beating it with a hammer. Even just to slow of an idle can beat up the crank bearing and crankpin. So be careful about chugging it to slow.

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by grouser

thanks bud,,,,,how do they handle luggin,,,, or well ,, I like to keep it slow and thumping if ya know what I mean,,,, no pinging,,,just throaty I guess if that makes any sense,,

Shovels and pans handle lower rpms better than modern day engines for a few reasons. One reason was the cams and the other was being carbureted.

[Hillsidecycleco]

As Dave has mentioned, a Shovel won't pull a big rpm as the cylinder heads really don not lend themselves to good cylinder fill.
With some attention, along with a cam swap they can do better, but not night and day, by any means, but a good bump nonetheless.
However, once a larger displacement(ie 93-103") is introduced under that head, velocity does come up, and then, the engine can start to take advantage of those overly-large ports.
Not uncommon for us to see 100 hp and 110 ft/lbs from a 103" Shovel, with modified OE Harley castings, surrounded by the pieces/parts that bring it all together.
Scott

[grouser]

I have an A grind Andrews in it, but am happy with the 70 or so HP,,,,, I just stepped down from a rocket,,,,116hp V65,,,,, I haven't had so much fun at 45 mph as the day I rode my Shovel home,,,,in the rain,,,,, thanks for all the help

[Hillsidecycleco]

As long as we can use a spring needed, we like the use of an Andrews #2 cam in those.
80" Shovel @ 8.5 cr, will usually dyno off between 65-70 hp, and 75-80 ft/lbs, SAE.
S&S E, drag pipes, OE ignition.
Scott

[grouser]

my book quotes "62.0 hp @ 5400 rpm,,,," that is a bit over your stated red line and does not make sense to me ?????

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by grouser

my book quotes "62.0 hp @ 5400 rpm,,,," that is a bit over your stated red line and does not make sense to me ?????

5400 rpm is fine for a completely new engine. Most Shovels have pretty many road-miles on the bottom ends and are rarely built from the ground up.

The cone motor is bulletproof but you're also talking an engine not made since 1984. Unless I knew exactly what I had, I wouldn't push it.

Make sense?