top-end driving question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 18,016
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From: sebring florida
top-end driving question
I haven't driven my car ('97 6 spd) over 120 yet and I may have the opportunity to top her out in the near future. use 6th or no? if yes, at what speed should I shift into 6th? I thought I read somewhere that you don't use 6th for a top end run. thanks! :seeya
Red
Red
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 1
From: Newland US
Re: top-end driving question (Red Gump)
Red Gump,
6th gear is .5:1 over drive at the wheels. The gear just isn't deep enough to overcome the air resistance at the higher speed, so the engine can't pull to the maximum RPM.
Let's be careful out there. :yesnod:
Mark
6th gear is .5:1 over drive at the wheels. The gear just isn't deep enough to overcome the air resistance at the higher speed, so the engine can't pull to the maximum RPM.
Let's be careful out there. :yesnod:
Mark
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 18,016
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From: sebring florida
Re: top-end driving question (MDT)
Let's be careful out there. :yesnod:
Mark
Mark
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 67
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From: El Paso TX
Re: top-end driving question (Red Gump)
Red; As Mark says, " Always be careful" but you need not worry about the car... Here in Europe where I live I cruise at 140 and have hit 165 + many a times (per week).... That is what this puppy was built for.... just make sure, as one always should do, even when you are only going 50, that the basics are taken care of.... tires, brakes, etc...
Enjoy....
George
Enjoy....
George
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 2
Re: top-end driving question (turboo2u)
No problem reaching 150-most can do it from a stop in 1 mile. Apparently, the 150-175 takes a looonggg time.... Also, a hood seal might help the hood warble at speed.
I'm waitinf for the rest of the mods for a 150+ run (quicker to get thare and over). Also, wait till your tires have at least 10K on the tires, as continuous high speeds can screw up fresh rubber.
I'm waitinf for the rest of the mods for a 150+ run (quicker to get thare and over). Also, wait till your tires have at least 10K on the tires, as continuous high speeds can screw up fresh rubber.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,026
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From: Renaissance Festival TAZ the Wolfdog (R.I.P.)
Re: top-end driving question (geocav)
I've gone to 145mph and felt comfortable, but the driver side window sucked away from the seal and you can imagine the noise created. I then shut 'er down. How do you keep the windows sealed or do you just listen to the noise? :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,541
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From: Chicago
Re: top-end driving question (Steve02C5)
I've gone to 145mph and felt comfortable, but the driver side window sucked away from the seal and you can imagine the noise created. I then shut 'er down. How do you keep the windows sealed or do you just listen to the noise? :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Las Vegas, NV
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St. Jude Contributor
Re: top-end driving question (Red Gump)
There isn't enough power for such high gearing. I don't know how much power would be required to reach 150 in 6th. My bone stock 2001 convertible would top out at 130 in 6th. I haven't gone above 150, but I know there was still more top end in 5th.