Re: High RPMs at highway speed?

["Bernard Littau" <bernardl@acumenassociates.com>]

Just my opinion, but I think low RPMs are overrated as being good.  I still
think lugging an engine is worse for it than using the higher RPMs.  Even
the Audi does not activate the knock sensors under 1700 or so RPM.  You can
do a lot of damage down there in the RPM basement by using WOT.

I've put a lot of miles on a lot of engines, and I tend to drive at much
higher RPM than anyone else I know.  My old BMW didn't even advance the
centrifugal advance ignition fully until over 3000 RPM.  The '88 5k seems to
do something around 3200 RPM, too.  I just figure you should stay above 3200
RPM all the time on the Audi.

I hardly use 5th unless I am cruising at over 70 mph.

I find it amusing when I take passengers and they point out:  I am turning
over 3000 RPM won't my engine blow up?!?

My BMW K bike cranks up to 9000 RPM.  I've seen other bikes go as high as
13000 RPM.  Either of these redlines make the 6000 RPM redline on the Audi
seem tame.  It would be difficult to convince me that RPMs in the 6000 range
are inherently damaging to a motor.

Just had to throw in my 2 cents worth.

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5kcstq
'73 Cox thimble drone .020cc 25000 rpm