Speed Limits on Automatics

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

After Vikram's "heads-up", I checked the manual on my 200T.  The 
speed limits for gears are different than his 100, but still 
seems disappointingly low.  (Vikram - thanks!!)

For my 200T, top speed in 1st gear is supposed to be 43 mph.  Top 
speed in 2nd gear is 78 mph.  I can see how these would serve a mom-n-
pop driver well, but they leave the engine FAR short of redline at the 
shift points.  

Thoughts: 

Of course, I realize power curves seldom extend to the redline.  (For 
instance, in my 280ZXT, the power curve is 3K-5K rpm; in the stock 
motor, anything over 5K is basically winding it to hear it wind, but 
doesn't generate much extra poop, so it doesn't achieve much except 
putting strain on the engine.)

So - just for the sake of research, of course - I will test the car 
and note the engine speed attained at the shift points indicated.  I 
suspect they've set their recommendations to shift to the next 
highest gear about +/- 5K rpm.  This may in fact be compatible with 
the actual power curve....in which case, I s'pose I could grant that 
it makes some sense.



********** A Washington State Cougar in Aggieland (aTm) **********

Al Powell                           Voice:  409/845-2807
Ag Communications                   Fax:    409/862-1202
Texas A&M University                Email:  a-powell1@tamu.edu 
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