Confusion on RPM's and engine health
 

Hey guys, I was hoping that some of you guys could clear something up for me.

I have a auto transmission and have always been taught to drive the car smoothly and not go up in RPM's. I've noticed that I'm always at around 1.5k - 2k RPM range when i'm cruising in 6th gear at about 55mph.

Is this stressing on the engine for me to be driving at such low RPM's? When is it a good idea to drive higher up in the RPM? I drive very conservatively and try to maintain 35+ mpg.

I'll be installing a twin screw supercharger from Sprintex soon, and I know that supercharger likes to put down a lot of torque in the low-rpm range, from what I read. Does that mean i'll be doing more damage to my transmission and or engine if I'll be cruising at low RPM's in 6th gear with my SC?

Thanks for reading.

If the AT has selected that engine speed, then it's OK for the car. If the rpms needed to be increased, the AT would be told to go into a lower gear.

I won't comment on the SC addition.


humfrz

I don't use 6th gear...However using 6th won't hurt your engine.

Generally speaking no, an AT will not harm itself nor an engine in mostly stock form (including general NA mods and the like.) Likewise CRUISING at low RPM generally does not hurt an engine, so long as it's within proper cruising RPM.

Although I'm concerned you make mention of driving conservatively (35mpg) and be taught to "not go up in RPMs."

Ok, thanks.

as far as your concerns go, I was taught to always drive as conservatively as possible to save on fuel. This means no launching, braking as little as possible, not adding too much throttle, etc.

The not go RPM's part is what I kinda taught myself. I know higher RPM's means more stress on your engine, since its reving high and makes your car louder. I may be wrong, for all I know. I associate high RPMs with car going faster. Feel free to correct me, I am always willing to learn more.

Kev, this is a sports car. Have some fun with it! Posts like this make me die a bit inside. :brokenheart:



You will not hurt the engine by getting the revs up.

LOL

I rev the crap out of my 86, once it is up to temp, always have, always will.

I am also a firm beliver in the "hard break in".

100% agree with @new2subaru. Have some fun with the car! Not saying to beat the sh!t out of it, but enjoy it for what it is. I have to say I do appreciate the fact that you take care of your cars. They aren’t cheap and money to fix them and to pay for fuel doesn’t fall from trees. However, you’ll rarely (if at all) hear horror stories about the engine blowing up when going above 3,000 RPMs.

How long have you had the car? I’d say definitely get comfortable with it in stock form and learn more about what you’re getting into with the supercharger. Once you get it, I’m sure MPG and low RPM will go right out the window lol They’re fun cars when pushed hard and I know the supercharger will make it that much more. Good luck!

why? it seems everything you're doing is the antithesis of this entire platform...

if i don't hit redline at least once every time the car comes out, a puppy dies. i don't like dead puppies.

Why get a supercharger? Sounds like you aren’t using the power you have.

save dogs rev engines :party0030:

I beat the shit out of my car every time im in it. Probably even more when I had less power in terms of rpms.

Beat it like it owes you last years rent, and then see if the supercharger is still needed.

Fyi, i still average 22mpg, which is incredible for me. My old v6 eclipse averaged 9mpg with my foot, and my ranger has a strict don't-ask-don't-tell policy. I'm happy if a full tank makes it a week.

The only way I see cruising in 6th at a low rpm being harmful is if you floor it and the gear doesn't drop down - like if you are in manual mode. That puts unnecessary stress on the rods, especially if you are boosted.