power band concern
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 19
From: ME
power band concern
Hey guys,
I'm new to naturally aspirated motors. For years I've driven turbocharged cars, volvo's specifically and I'm used to the turbo lag and the consequent power bands due to that. Now that I've switched to american V-8 power I feel a little weird about the power band. Looking at the performance specs I understand that the 350 ft/lbs and 350 hp come in at a really high rpm (400rpm or so). Should the car actually feel a little doggish until you reach that high of an RPM? I've never really thought about the dyno curve and its translation on the actual road. What can I do to bring in some more torque at lower RPM? Thanks for listening guys!
I'm new to naturally aspirated motors. For years I've driven turbocharged cars, volvo's specifically and I'm used to the turbo lag and the consequent power bands due to that. Now that I've switched to american V-8 power I feel a little weird about the power band. Looking at the performance specs I understand that the 350 ft/lbs and 350 hp come in at a really high rpm (400rpm or so). Should the car actually feel a little doggish until you reach that high of an RPM? I've never really thought about the dyno curve and its translation on the actual road. What can I do to bring in some more torque at lower RPM? Thanks for listening guys!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Do you have an A4 or M6? If your car is an A4 with 2.73 gears that is why it would feel sluggish. For better perfomance without going into the engine do gears and a T/C if you have an A4 or just gears if you have an M6.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 19
From: ME
oh sorry I forgot to say it is the M6. I don't know, maybe I'm just getting used to this car. I just expected more peppiness throughout the rpm range. Maybe I'll check for codes again just to see.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 76
From: Bedford Va.
sound like you are getting use to the car. after a little time most want a little more. try sitting in the passenger seat and have someone take you for an aggressive ride. I find it a very different point of view. I too am looking to improve my setup. LGM headers are waiting to go in.
If you are going to leave your car basically stock I would recomend a 3.90 or 4.10 gear to perk that bugger up. I still get 29 mpg highway with my car. $1200 to 1400 and all is good
If you are going to leave your car basically stock I would recomend a 3.90 or 4.10 gear to perk that bugger up. I still get 29 mpg highway with my car. $1200 to 1400 and all is good
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 16
From: DFW Texas
As you know, max torque on these motors is around 4000 rpm so you don't really feel a kick until then. You are probably used to the turbo hit. These cars really like intake mods. Buy a new air intake and LS6 intake if your car doesn't have it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 896
Likes: 1
From: Overland Park KS
Make sure you've turned off Active Handling (or entered "Competitive Driving Mode" by holding down the Active handling button for 5+ seconds) or the computer will keep you from experiencing that tire-spinning torque at lower speeds. 
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