-68 440 Correct Idle Speed

[Voss]

Got some questions about the engine idle speed, it feels way to low on my -68 R/T... It gives me battery charging issues on the cruise nights...

What is the correct engine idle speed for a stock 440 with 727 (no A/C)?
How much would you expect the rpm to drop when I put in gear?

I've got a tach (finally) so I will give it a try to get it correct this time...  

Thanks!

[Dans 68]

650 rpm is the factory setting, for both manual and auto transmissions. I'd set it a bit higher to get that number when the auto is in gear.

Dan

[Fred]

650 rpm is the factory setting, for both manual and auto transmissions. I'd set it a bit higher to get that number when the auto is in gear.

Dan

I agree. That's how I've set mine up.

[John_Kunkel]

Mopars of that era are notorious for not charging at low speeds at night with the headlights on.

[Voss]

Thanks for the advice. Just got back from the garage. I've managed to set the idle to 650 when in gear, climbs up to about 800 in neutral. Was definitely good to have a precise tachometer when doing the fine adjustments on the idle air/fuel. And the charging is much better at 800 rpm so things looks good!

We'll see how it behaves, in two weeks we have this Power Big Meet in Vasteras (Sweden) so I'll soon have the chance to try it out on a cruise night.