Looking for thoughts on max safe RPM on a 548" BBC. I normally only race 1/8th mile stuff but I broke a valve racing at a 1/4 mile track 2 years ago. It trashed a bunch of stuff as you can imagine, so I've been terrified of high rpm on this combo ever since. The new heads have race quality valves as I think the original heads had street duty stainless valves.

548" BBC on alcohol
.780 lift at the valve
Comp steel rockers
stud girdle
chormoly pushrods


I shift at 7000rpm and see less than that across the 1/8th mile stripe. My math shows ~7600rpm for a 1/4 mile run when factoring in 10% converter slip.

Do you think 7600 is too much for this combination? Should I be shifting at a higher RPM?

Looking for input from folks with a similar setup.

Lots of factors come into play here. What rotating assembly connecting rods I'll spring pressure rocker arms?

I turn my 665 higher than that....and will be turning new build even higher.....As long as rods don't come apart on you, most limiting factor is going to be valve train....

Not enough information for a really informed opinion, but just by your listing of the valve train you're using, I would want to keep that unit to 7400 max.
I'd be inclined to shift it about 6800 and gear it to cross the 1/8th finish at about the same.

Not enough info.

Shift my 582 very good stuff at 7200. BBX 380cc heads. Tried 7300 and it slowed.

Start low and bump it 200rpm. Back it off where it slows down. If bracket racing - who cares if its running best ET. Start at 6700rpm. And determine if .1 sec is worth X RPM and wear and tear.