RE: High RPMs at highway speed?

[Stephen Frattini <s373231@gettysburg.edu>]

This is definately one of the more intersting threads I've read through in
recent times,
maybe because I've often wondered the same thing.  Good job to whoever
asked the question, now I have question of my own which is sort of
related.  My audi is an 84 5k with the auto transmission (yuck).  It shifts
from second into third at  2,000 rpm + or - a bit, even when I floor the
pedal.
So in an effort to have more fun, and to use more the of the engine (and
to pretend its a five speed,) sometimes I will drop it down into the lower
gear marked "2", and then once I get to about 50, I will put it back in "D"
The manual says that you can go up to 65 with it in "2", so I don't think
I'm doing any damage, but I wanted to ask you guys just to make sure.  If I
am, I will stop doing it.  I know its a dumb question, but I'm hoping
someone can settle my uncertainties or tell me what an idiot I am.  :)  

thanks guys,

steve

ps-getting the a/c fixed in a week or two after 2 yrs without it, after 95
here today in baltimore, I can't wait. 




At 04:07 PM 6/7/99 -0700, Buchholz, Steven wrote:
>> In fact, I've read numerous road tests where the top speed was attained in
>> 4th rather than 5th on a 5-speed tranny regardless, so making 5th a little
>> taller would seemingly be irrelevant under "performance driving"
>> conditions.
>> For instance, I never try to pass anyone in 5th.  It's possible given that
>> my engine is pulling 3500 RPM at 70 in 5th, but when I want to punch it, I
>> always drop to 4th first, always will. So why not make 5th a little taller
>> so I could wring out another 4-5 mpg and kick the noise level down a
>> decibel
>> or two?  Guess it's all academic, but 3500RPM at 70mph seems buzzy and
>> excessive to me.  Guess I'll be fighting Huw in the junkyards for that
>> scrap
>> 6-speed...
>> 
>... there are quite a few cars that actually have a higher top speed in
>fourth gear than in fifth ... I must say that with an extremely rare
>exception I will usually grab a lower gear when attempting a passing
>maneuver ( ... there was that time out in the middle of New Mexico with the
>urQ in cruise control ... :)
>
>While I would agree that it seems a bit strange Audi chose not to put in a
>taller high gear, I am not concerned about the "excessive" revs seriously
>shortening the expected life time of the engine.  An engine running at a
>constant rate, not accelerating or decelerating and well away from redline
>is perhaps the best situation it could be for longevity, whether that be at
>2500RPM or 3500RPM ... perhaps other than being completely shut off ...
>
>> Walla Walla, WA (soon to be Portland, OR).
>> Pics&details: http://131.107.68.28/a4.org/registry/details.asp?car=761
>> 
>OH!  I was expecting details about the conversion from Walla Walla to
>Portland!  This has certainly piqued my interest ... I would imagine that
>not only would the residents of both communities be up in arms about just
>such a move that the involved states and the Federal government might have
>something to say ...
>
>... sorry, I couldn't resist ... :-)
>
>Steve Buchholz
>San Jose, CA (USA)
>