I'm using 6th much less lately
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 491
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I'm using 6th much less lately
I've noticed I've been driving in 5th much more than usual lately. I recently got a sportbike, and my brother put 4.10s in his Stang. Both have great acceleration, even in top gear at 60mph. But the Vette feels dead below 80mph in 6th. Unfortunately, my mpg has gone down some. Then again, I notice I'm driving at about 2000rpm minimum lately.
Does anyone else reserve 6th for the open interstates?
Does anyone else reserve 6th for the open interstates?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,926
Likes: 30
From: Not where I want to be!!
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19
I don't use it either unless I'm on a road where the speed limit is above 70. In west Texas where it jumps to 80mph is when 6th really helps.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Gastonia NC
6th
While I have an A4 ( wish I had the manual) I think the most fun is the abililty with a manual to be able to select a gear and downshift to the most appropriate gear for the situation. Also compared to the A4 you get immediate response/gratification of the cars abilities
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 420
From: Taildragers rule! USA1
I've noticed I've been driving in 5th much more than usual lately. I recently got a sportbike, and my brother put 4.10s in his Stang. Both have great acceleration, even in top gear at 60mph. But the Vette feels dead below 80mph in 6th. Unfortunately, my mpg has gone down some. Then again, I notice I'm driving at about 2000rpm minimum lately.
Does anyone else reserve 6th for the open interstates?
Does anyone else reserve 6th for the open interstates?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 491
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I have no trouble shifting. What I'm saying is that I've been shifting a lot more lately, to keep the rpm > 1800. I've basically been treating the car like a 5 speed, only going into 6th above 75-80 mph.
When I first bought the car, I was fine putting around at 1500 rpm. But now that I've been in/on much more responsive vehicles (mainly due to gearing), 1500 just feels lethargic in the vette.
Just an aside, my brother is averaging about 9mpg with 4.10s in the stang.
When I first bought the car, I was fine putting around at 1500 rpm. But now that I've been in/on much more responsive vehicles (mainly due to gearing), 1500 just feels lethargic in the vette.
Just an aside, my brother is averaging about 9mpg with 4.10s in the stang.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16,574
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From: Winfield IN
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,060
Likes: 101
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
here, here!! (actually i use mine above 50, but the intent is the same. i can get all the acceleration i need with a downshift to second gear and push on the gas pedal!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I have no trouble shifting. What I'm saying is that I've been shifting a lot more lately, to keep the rpm > 1800. I've basically been treating the car like a 5 speed, only going into 6th above 75-80 mph.
When I first bought the car, I was fine putting around at 1500 rpm. But now that I've been in/on much more responsive vehicles (mainly due to gearing), 1500 just feels lethargic in the vette.
Just an aside, my brother is averaging about 9mpg with 4.10s in the stang.
When I first bought the car, I was fine putting around at 1500 rpm. But now that I've been in/on much more responsive vehicles (mainly due to gearing), 1500 just feels lethargic in the vette.
Just an aside, my brother is averaging about 9mpg with 4.10s in the stang.
I shift into 6th at 70 MPH unless I have to "scoot" past someone.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 41,792
Likes: 153
From: Houston,Texas USA
I actually bought mine with the six speed manual, for the fuel economy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
I rarely use 6th gear. I find it's only useful on very long highway trips where you can maintain a constant 70 mph. But, that is what it was meant for. It also allows these cars to reach over 170 mph. But, for everyday driving, I find 6th gear not very useful.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,947
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta GA
If you have a Z with the MN12 6th is a lot more useful. I can easily, and safely use 6th at 55 mph. On the coupe I had before, with the regular 6 speed, 6th was useless until you were at 70 at least...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 2,900
From: Fort Worth, Texas
4.10s will make 6th more usable and with the vette's double overdrive of .50 it doesn't kill mpg but ~2mpg on the highway. You'll just cruise in a higher gear around town and won't have to drop as many gears to pass someone.