Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

[Z06] C5 Z06 5th gear

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 29, 2017 | 04:11 AM
  #1  
weslp00's Avatar
weslp00
Thread Starter
Advanced
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 10
Default C5 Z06 5th gear

Hey Guys,

This may sound like a dumb *** question...but whats the optimum speed range to use 5th gear ?

If I shift into 5th at about 30mph I get a whine till 40.. doesn't do it if I stay in 4th and shift up at 40 mph so I am maybe lugging the motor/trans.

What ideally is the 5th gear range??

These cars rock!

Any answers would be appreciated
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2017 | 07:27 AM
  #2  
Shakeydeal's Avatar
Shakeydeal
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,102
Likes: 304
Default

Fifth gear at 30 mph? How old are you, 70?


Seriously, that speed is waaaay too low to be using 5th gear. I don't even use 6th gear unless I am on the freeway for a long run and then only above 65-70 mph.


You are definitely lugging the engine. I wouldn't shift to 5th gear until about 55 mph. Other responses may vary.........


Shakey
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2017 | 08:01 AM
  #3  
98C5P's Avatar
98C5P
Instructor
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 220
Likes: 62
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Default

Originally Posted by Shakeydeal
Fifth gear at 30 mph? How old are you, 70?


Seriously, that speed is waaaay too low to be using 5th gear. I don't even use 6th gear unless I am on the freeway for a long run and then only above 65-70 mph.


You are definitely lugging the engine. I wouldn't shift to 5th gear until about 55 mph. Other responses may vary.........


Shakey


I use 5th above 80-90 kmh (50-55mph) only....that must work like $hit at 30 mph...and I am with Shakey, 6th on highway only

Last edited by 98C5P; Aug 29, 2017 at 08:04 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2017 | 08:03 AM
  #4  
MY03C5Z's Avatar
MY03C5Z
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
Default

I don't think I've ever used 5th below 55-60mph. Yeah I'd imagine the trans would groan in 5th at 30mph lol...
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2017 | 08:23 AM
  #5  
weslp00's Avatar
weslp00
Thread Starter
Advanced
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 10
Default

Originally Posted by Shakeydeal
Fifth gear at 30 mph? How old are you, 70?


Seriously, that speed is waaaay too low to be using 5th gear. I don't even use 6th gear unless I am on the freeway for a long run and then only above 65-70 mph.


You are definitely lugging the engine. I wouldn't shift to 5th gear until about 55 mph. Other responses may vary.........


Shakey
Well I ain't 70 yet more like 56 really And I don't normally drive like a coffin dodger..lol Annnd I rarely make the mistake of pulling off in 3rd ....I wonder how many guys out there do that..lol

Thanks for the replies !!
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2017 | 09:23 AM
  #6  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

lugging the engine is bad for it!! Let it run where it wants to, enjoy.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2017 | 04:54 PM
  #7  
shot410ga's Avatar
shot410ga
Instructor
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 117
Likes: 15
From: Foley Alabama
Default

I shift to 5th at 50+ and 6th only on the freeway at over 65mph.
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2017 | 10:41 PM
  #8  
grantv's Avatar
grantv
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Default

I often shift 1-3 to hit the 70KPH (60K posted + 10) mark going to work, then to fifth. 70K = 44MPH
But that's only when I stop accelerating. Definitely never below that speed, and I'll change to 4th if I speed up for some reason.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

 Pouria Savadkouei
Old Aug 30, 2017 | 07:31 AM
  #9  
weslp00's Avatar
weslp00
Thread Starter
Advanced
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 10
Default

Originally Posted by grantv
I often shift 1-3 to hit the 70KPH (60K posted + 10) mark going to work, then to fifth. 70K = 44MPH
But that's only when I stop accelerating. Definitely never below that speed, and I'll change to 4th if I speed up for some reason.
And you are just on the edge of lugging the motor in 5th.. but coasting in that gear at 44MPH should be fine..

I certainly wont be going slower than 50MPH in 5th from now on! Don't wanna hurt anything

Last edited by weslp00; Aug 30, 2017 at 07:32 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2017 | 02:46 PM
  #10  
bikeriderga's Avatar
bikeriderga
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Default

RPMs are the key, not speed.

You do not want to be running in any gear < idle or around 1100 RPMs.

For relaxed driving, I normally shift around 2K RPMs.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2017 | 08:25 PM
  #11  
Paul 75 L82's Avatar
Paul 75 L82
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
Default

Don't be afraid of the rpm's. Your driving a Z06, let it breath. These motors love to run.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2017 | 07:44 AM
  #12  
bikeriderga's Avatar
bikeriderga
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Originally Posted by Paul 75 L82
Don't be afraid of the rpm's. Your driving a Z06, let it breath. These motors love to run.
Think the OP was looking for minimum Shift points, not max.

But I agree, these motors love 3K-6K.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2017 | 11:16 AM
  #13  
ztheusa's Avatar
ztheusa
Safety Car
Veteran: National Guard
25 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,568
Likes: 417
From: Taildragers rule! USA1
Default

1st.....10MPH
2nd....20 MPH

......
.....
6th.....60MOH
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2017 | 01:58 PM
  #14  
TGO's Avatar
TGO
Safety Car
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,716
Likes: 13
From: Staten Island NY
Default

Originally Posted by Shakeydeal
Fifth gear at 30 mph? How old are you, 70?


Seriously, that speed is waaaay too low to be using 5th gear. I don't even use 6th gear unless I am on the freeway for a long run and then only above 65-70 mph.


You are definitely lugging the engine. I wouldn't shift to 5th gear until about 55 mph. Other responses may vary.........


Shakey
I agree. I haven't been using 6th on the highway either. Much more fun to stay in 5th and easier to pass.


When my uncle taught me to drive stick he said basically to aim for a gear change every 10mph. So first till 10. Second till 20. 3rd till 30...etc.

Obviously that changes depending on how spirited you are driving, but for the most part that will get you around for just cruising.

IDK what you're thinking shifting to 5th at 30mph. lol
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2017 | 03:07 PM
  #15  
MY03C5Z's Avatar
MY03C5Z
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
Default

You can take 3rd out to 100 in these cars....just saying. 30mph in 5th is silly.
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2017 | 03:24 AM
  #16  
weslp00's Avatar
weslp00
Thread Starter
Advanced
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 10
Default

Originally Posted by MY03C5Z
You can take 3rd out to 100 in these cars....just saying. 30mph in 5th is silly.
Yep you are right and it was silly

It was more of a brain fart and I wasn't thinking straight and I was deffo not trying to economise on gas..

Thanks for all the feedback tho guys..I've learnt a lot !
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2017 | 04:23 AM
  #17  
GTs 58's Avatar
GTs 58
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 71
From: Gilbert Arid zona
Default

Been driving the Z06 to work all this week and been doing 1-3-5 most of the time. Speed limit is 45 but I'm usually at 50 to 55 mph. after the red lights. Purrs like a kitten with no fur *****. Oh wait, I did get it up to 65 for a few seconds on the big wide 3 lane road.
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2017 | 12:03 PM
  #18  
weslp00's Avatar
weslp00
Thread Starter
Advanced
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 10
Default

Originally Posted by GTs 58
Been driving the Z06 to work all this week and been doing 1-3-5 most of the time. Speed limit is 45 but I'm usually at 50 to 55 mph. after the red lights. Purrs like a kitten with no fur *****. Oh wait, I did get it up to 65 for a few seconds on the big wide 3 lane road.
Steady.. don't overdo it!
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2017 | 05:12 PM
  #19  
Stroker87's Avatar
Stroker87
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
Default

kind of miss 3.42's

im in 5th at 40/45mph but 3.90 gear steady speeds over 55mph in 6th
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C5 Z06 5th gear





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:42 AM.

story-0
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE
story-9
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

Slideshow: Check out these easy-to-install upgrades from Extreme Online Store that reshape the look and feel of the C6 Corvette.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-03-23 17:00:27


VIEW MORE