Was too tight on time to “time-it” before we left for 2465 mile trip.
I-70 WB. Pulled Loveland Pass just fine. Coming down the “IKE Gauntlet” to quote TFL, I got a little bit of smoke at the bottom (retarded timing) it figured itself out quickly.
I hit the bottom of Vail Pass doing 75 mph. It climbed it admirably!! I would drop out of OD below 55 and here is why.......
Going up Vail Pass, I could accelerate up to 55 in direct, but no further. but could accelerate past 70 in OD to prepare for the next portion of the climb.
Trying to get past 55 in D, it would wanna lightly buck which I attribute to retarded timing and high rpm operation.
Coming down Vail Pass, again small amounts of smoke I was able to work out quickly.
I was very impressed with my high elevation power being NA. Look forward to getting it timed by the meter.
I read a post way back that stated if you have a turbo, 3.55’s would be ok, but stick with 4.10’s if you are N/A especially in the mtns or at elevation. That person is spot on in regards to my situation (no towing)
55 in D = 2526 rpm’s
55 in OD = 1793
65 in OD = 2119
71 in OD = 2315
75 in OD = 2445
Speculation here; but my van loved 71 mph vs 75 and I think it’s due to my timing still being retarded coupled with high rpm operation.