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Not accelerating in 6th gear

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Old Sep 21, 2015 | 08:44 PM
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Default Not accelerating in 6th gear

I did a road test for a 2002 M6 with only 26k miles. I was cruising at 60 mph in 6th gear and tried to accelerate but it wouldn't. No strange noise, no increase in rpm, no slow down, had to retro in 5th. Tried twice. I thought it's because I am not familiar with the car. I will have a pre- purchase inspection done. Any comments? Thanks.
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Old Sep 21, 2015 | 09:00 PM
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6th is not really meant for acceleration but you should be able to feel it. When you hear about C5s hitting 185 they are typically doing so in 5th. 6th is more of an overdrive - but again there should be a feeling of acceleration. Can only provide my experience - can't help with the problem. Good luck.
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Old Sep 21, 2015 | 09:13 PM
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It wouldn't accelerate at all or just very slowly? Per the other reply 6th is for mileage only. Even top speed is done in 5th.
I very rarely use 6th.
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Old Sep 21, 2015 | 09:26 PM
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6th feels like you are trying to move a locomotive or freighter but there is a gradual acceleration. If I'm going 60 or 70 and really need to move I'll actually down shift to 4th.
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Old Sep 21, 2015 | 10:00 PM
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Originally Posted by frsr06
6th feels like you are trying to move a locomotive or freighter but there is a gradual acceleration. If I'm going 60 or 70 and really need to move I'll actually down shift to 4th.
You spelled 2nd wrong
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Old Sep 21, 2015 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by frsr06
6th is not really meant for acceleration but you should be able to feel it. When you hear about C5s hitting 185 they are typically doing so in 5th. 6th is more of an overdrive - but again there should be a feeling of acceleration.
When I had a six speed C5, sixth gear did not provide much acceleration - but it did provide some. Dropping into 5th or 4th made a noticeable difference.

And I've not heard about stock C5s hitting 185 mph - top speed for the coupe per GM was 175 mph. The Z06 was rated at 171 mph.
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Old Sep 21, 2015 | 11:05 PM
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at 60mph you were probably around 1200rpm in 6th gear.thats barely above idle.try accelerating from about 1800 rpm it should go a little better but the 6th gear is very low and there isn't much torque in that rpm range.
think of it like pedaling a 10 speed bike.if you got on a bike that was barely moving,and were in 10th gear,you would have a hard time trying to pedal and get going.but the faster the bike was rolling(more rpms) the easier it would be to pedal.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 06:42 AM
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Default Not accelerating in 6th gear

Personally I never/rarely use 6th. It's just there for highway mileage. The only time I've used it was when I was cruising at 80+ mph. Anywhere below that, I stay in 5th.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 07:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Yamerhaw
You spelled 2nd wrong
Too funny!
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 09:35 AM
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you should still be able to pass most slow highway drivers without having to drop a gear but if you want to pass faster then going to 5th, 4th, or even 3rd will definitely help... I usually drive between 70-80 on the highway if I'm able to so that will make passing in 6th a little easier due to the higher rpm and if your car is making enough power it can actually accelerate in 6th at wot
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 02:48 PM
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Clutch slipping?
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by MTL01
I did a road test for a 2002 M6 with only 26k miles. I was cruising at 60 mph in 6th gear and tried to accelerate but it wouldn't. No strange noise, no increase in rpm, no slow down, had to retro in 5th...
Originally Posted by zdeckich
Clutch slipping?
Would not appear so...
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 03:58 PM
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When you punch it in 6th gear does the tach match the speed?

If the tach is gaining and the speed isn't that should tell you something right there.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
When I had a six speed C5, sixth gear did not provide much acceleration - but it did provide some. Dropping into 5th or 4th made a noticeable difference.

And I've not heard about stock C5s hitting 185 mph - top speed for the coupe per GM was 175 mph. The Z06 was rated at 171 mph.
I did do 175 with the stock z. I will not do it no more. 140 150 is ok because it can be reached without even thinking about it. But 175 I wouldn't do it any more on the highway.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Cybermind
Personally I never/rarely use 6th. It's just there for highway mileage. The only time I've used it was when I was cruising at 80+ mph. Anywhere below that, I stay in 5th.
mine starts to bog at 74 !!!!!!!! (in 6th)
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by akapounder
mine starts to bog at 74 !!!!!!!! (in 6th)
Mine at around 63 to 67. Never enjoyed it though. Less gas pedal would keep it a bit smooth. Other than that I live with 4th and 5th on the highway until I feel as if I need to go to 6th. Cruise on the highway doing 65mph on 6th and 1500rpm makes me go to 5th do 80mph then downshift to 4th doing 1something and then to 6th.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
When I had a six speed C5, sixth gear did not provide much acceleration - but it did provide some. Dropping into 5th or 4th made a noticeable difference.

And I've not heard about stock C5s hitting 185 mph - top speed for the coupe per GM was 175 mph. The Z06 was rated at 171 mph.
I always thought the Corvette brochure said it was 174 mph? Doing a search revealed 175 mph and even 181 mph. I guess it doesn't matter as I'll never try it again. I've had my near stock 2002 C5 up to 167 mph and she was still pulling but started floating so I backed off. That was done in 5th gear.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by c5z06.O
Mine at around 63 to 67. Never enjoyed it though. Less gas pedal would keep it a bit smooth. Other than that I live with 4th and 5th on the highway until I feel as if I need to go to 6th. Cruise on the highway doing 65mph on 6th and 1500rpm makes me go to 5th do 80mph then downshift to 4th doing 1something and then to 6th.

I'm only in the 6th at 65+ on flat ground.

If you stomped on an auto at 60mph it would downshift...automatlically

The manual relies on the pilot to perform the downshift....manually

That's the beauty of the manual, you pick the gear you want when you want it. Provided the #! $& CAGS has been eliminated.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Yamerhaw
You spelled 2nd wrong
I'd crap my pants and break my ankle if I went all the way to 2nd gear.
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Old Sep 22, 2015 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by scarecrowkc5
When you punch it in 6th gear does the tach match the speed?

If the tach is gaining and the speed isn't that should tell you something right there.
I will pay attention to this during the road test inspection on Thursday.
Thanks all for taking the time to comment.
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