Levent

Do I have to cruise at 3rd gear with 2000 RPM. or at 2nd gear with 3000 RPM. In a slow and non stopping , continuous cruise around 45-50 km/h ( 30-35 mph I think.) , I usually take 3rd gear with 2000 RPM. I know it is between the limits of our straight torque line.But ý am in doubt between 2nd and 3rd gear.Any suggestion will be appreciated.

Gnowknayme

3rd will give you better gas mileage, and 2nd will give you better acceleration for passing, etc. If you're cruising at a constant speed, I would go with the higher gear for better gas mileage.

Levent

Thank you. ^

smallTTs

your 'pedal's to the metal' and TT isn't accelerating fast enough at 2000-3000range...then down shift to 2nd. You should be able to stay with most traffic in 3rd and full throttle.

It's more about driver technique than being "proper". Passenger car engines are designed to run well at low rpms. With a 180, part throttle (50-75% or so) works well from about 1500.

IMO, running engine at part-throttle (cruising) not in the highest gear it will pull wastes gas and wears out the engine faster. It's even in the manual!

I ran a test recently: Full throttle acceleraton in 5th (180) from 50-70 mph. Instantaneous fuel economy about 9.0 - 9.5 mpg.

Did the same thing in 4th, but at part throttle so it took the same time to go from 50-70. Inst. mileage was about 5.5-6 mpg. More revs = more gas.

pjkh

I usually sit in 4th or 5th at that speed. Move into 3rd to accelerate or go up steep hills.

Mike B

As long as you keep it above 2k while under load, your engine should stay happy.

Levent

Thank you very much to all of you. ^