optimal RPM?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: IL
optimal RPM? Ok, i've been driving a stick for a month now and I have a question regarding RPM. When on the highway I sometimes like to keep it around 55-60 (especially when it's raining) but I also want decent fuel economy, so therefore I put it in 5th. However, everytime I do this the car feels as if it's straining,most likely due to the RPM is at about 1800-1900. I have 3.8L firebird so is this normal to feel this "straining" effect, and is 1800-1900 OK to drive at? Low RPMs won't hurt the vehicle will they?
rpms that low wont hurt anything. on the highway i shift into 6th at around 55mph which puts it around 1300 rpm i think. id say definately keep it above 1000 rpms at all times though.
ps. i have an 02 camaro ss, so what works for me might not work for your v6 firebird.
ps. i have an 02 camaro ss, so what works for me might not work for your v6 firebird.
That straining is the loss of multiplication( OD) . It is where you will get the MPG. At highway speeds you just want to cruise so there is nothing wrong with that. It is not harming your engine either BTW.
