rpm

[johndavid]

I have been unable to find any information on the best performance rpm's. Specifically is it ok to run in sixth gear at 1500 rpm. My past experience is with foreign cars and high rpm's. I own a 2000 six speed.

 

[MsSchroder]

johndavid,
First, welcome to the CAC.
When you say "performance", do you mean under racing conditions, or just driving around?
For just driving around, the car is perfectly happy to cruise along in 6th at 1500 rpms. You will get good gas mileage that way. However, if you want to be able to accelerate quickly, 6th is not really the gear to be in, and you will need the rpm's to be higher.
Just driving around town, I like to keep the rpm's around 2500-4000- and usually on the low side of that unless I'm interested in quicker acceleration. That's just me- others may have a different opinion.

I don't remember seeing any stats on gearing, rpm's and peak power.

Tammy

 

[gmjunkie]

I don't Look at the Tach,I listen to the engine!! junk!! Welcome!!to :

 

[Patrick]

Hi, JohnDavid.
First, let me echo Tammy's welcome. I think you'll find the Corvette Action Center is a fantastic resource and a wealth of information about your 2000 C5. When you have some time, you should explore our Model Center for 2000's.

On the subject of RPM's, remember that in Corvettes, sixth gear is sort of a "cruising" gear. Your power gears will be 3rd, 4th and 5th. Cruising along at 1500 RPM's in sixth is perfect for a nice, leisurely pace for a long ride. But if you want some quicker acceleration, you'll need to drop it down to fifth.

I don't have a lot of experience driving European sports cars, so I can't offer any kind of a comparison between the C5 and their competitors, but I'm sure many of our members do.


-Patrick

 

[ßill]

I’d also like to welcome you to the CAC. Max seat of the pants acceleration will be when the RPM is between max torque and max horsepower. As you get more accustomed to your car refer to Junk’s comments.

 

[DRTH VTR]

I have been unable to find any information on the best performance rpm's. Specifically is it ok to run in sixth gear at 1500 rpm. My past experience is with foreign cars and high rpm's. I own a 2000 six speed.

johndavid- I grew up in Idaho Falls and went to Skyline High (a LONG time ago). Maybe we have some connections .

The Corvette C5 is happy at low RPM under light load. I drive around town at 35MPH in 4th gear. That is about the same RPM. I put it into 6th on the highway if I will be driving 60MPH or faster, and I don't anticipate needing to pass.

 

[countryblue]

I have been unable to find any information on the best performance rpm's. Specifically is it ok to run in sixth gear at 1500 rpm. My past experience is with foreign cars and high rpm's. I own a 2000 six speed.

Welcome aboard! I found that running at 6th at 60-65mph. is too high a gear for me.I leave it in 5th.for that speed,and put it in 6th for 70,and over.....G

 

[johndavid]

reply

johndavid- I grew up in Idaho Falls and went to Skyline High (a LONG time ago). Maybe we have some connections .

The Corvette C5 is happy at low RPM under light load. I drive around town at 35MPH in 4th gear. That is about the same RPM. I put it into 6th on the highway if I will be driving 60MPH or faster, and I don't anticipate needing to pass.

Verdana, I taught math at Skyline for 15 years, I am now retired, I was Mr. Porter

 

[DRTH VTR]

johndavid-
personal message sent.
DRTH VTR

 

[The Drakester]

I cruise in sixth - 30+MPG any speed above 50mph. Unless I feel the need for speed (which is often I'll admit) I usually shift on the 10's 2nd @20 3rd@30 and so on.