Redline on my factory tach starts at 5700, but I've only had my 4.9 to about 4500.

 

you wont hurt the 302 over revving it ....it just wont go anywhere doing so. the worst case is you hit valve float and the valve tips start touching the pistons... this will happen around 5,500-6,000 rpm somewhere or later if the springs are in good shape...higher then that on a roller motor with good springs...

as far as the internals go the bottom end will easily handle 8,000rpm no issue if the bottom end is fairly tight....

it isnt like the 300-6 where when you get close to 5,000rpm it starts bending pushrods and trying to shuck them out the cover...

if you listen to this tip you will be in the best of shape... shift when the engine is pulling the hardest...if you pass that part of the curve you're wasting forward momentum....

usually thats right at torque peak....

ever notice sometimes how your truck seems faster at half peddle and short shifting (lower rpm)? there is a reason for that...

EDIT: I want a FACTORY tach for a 300-6.... will some one please send me one LOL havent been able to find one at any local yard LOL

 

Maybe it's the basic 300 xl that don't come with a tach. Can't imagine that's it was an option to remove the tach. Mine def didn't have one lol