Hey all....a friend of mine pointed out that my rpm levels appear to be extra high. Cruising along the highway in 5th gear at 100 km/h, my tachometer is at 2600; at 110 its at about 3150. However, in his 2001 oldsmobile alero at 100 km/h he is just under 2000 (automatic). I know that these are two very different cars to compare but I am curious because his engine is signifcantly larger (3.4) than my 2.8 litre engine and much less efficient. I don't usually pay attention to this, so I am not sure what my car is usually at at these speeds, but I know that my tires are currently very worn and need replacing and balancing immediately (the car vibrates). Also, there is an aggresive rattle from the engine and I suspect that the timing belt needs to be done. I think these may be causing the engine to work harder than usual (if it is)...but thats just my guess. Are these unusual rpm levels....what are your levels like at 100 km/h in 5th gear (cruising)?

 

That doesn't sound that bad. my 1.8 purrs down the road at 2900 RPM at 60mph. Hows your gas mileage (or fuel economy) doing?

 

pretty normal... its the gearing of the transmission that decides how much you rev out on the highway.

 

Hmm, your engine works harder than mine at those speeds...you said you have a 2.8...what year? It could be normal for a 12v (96-97), but I think that's high for a 30v (99-01).

 

^ I think i would have to agree. I'm usually around 2600/2700 at 70mph at crusing speed. Seems a bit high.

 

the gearing is different. I havea lincoln continental as well, and it very rarely sees anything above 2500.
If you are looking for peace of mind have a diagnostic and tune up done. Changed the oil lately?
good luck

 

Thanks for the info. I have a 98.5 30 valve and did an oil change 5000 km ago in late November. Not too sure about the gas mileage recently- haven't been driving much because the tires and timing belt are worn. This is probably a dumb, noobish question, but if the natural rpms are so high, than does that mean that are mileage would be comparatively low against those cars with naturally lower rpms?

 

maybe, my friend has a 5.9l durango that gets 15 on the highway and cruises at 2.2k at 70mph. he's got a naftermarket torque converter. it used to be 2.6k at 70mph with the old torque converter.

 

Okay, sooooo... people allways poast on here that their RPM's are high, this is how it is:

Our cars, given engine type and transmission, will have the SAME RPM's, there is no mechanical problem that will cause someone to have the wrong RPM's. Either they will be dead on or your car will not be moving at all. Im sorry to drill on someone in specific, but i see it wayyy too often here.

 

Right on.... ^
Anyway, A little higher is better for acceleration! Ever tried to pass someone at 1800 rpm? My 1.8 would struggle a little.

How do you know your timing belt is worn? Mine looks fine, but with 76k miles I am about to replace all the belts and pulleys when I get back from vacation.

Not neccesarily, it depends on several factors, I am sure I don't know all of them, but things like displacement and compression probably matter. If there is a higher compression it might make more power and better mpg all at the same time. Larger displacement means lots of gas and depending on how heavy the car is, the HP could suck and the gas mileage could be even worse.

I vote for a 5.8l turbo and supercharged motor upgrade for the B5! HA jk

those are just my thoughts, as always I will take my answer off the air.
peace