I consistently drive it in 5th at 40 MPH, which is why I don't understand the thought process behind the 2.4L not being able to handle a second over drive.
At 65 MPH I'm pushing 2400 rpms... I'd like to get that down around 2 grand, if not right under. A final (second o/d) of .64 would put 65 MPH at 2050 rpms... which would be a WHOLE lot better. Both on engine wear and gas mileage.
Clearly we use our cars in vastly different ways. I can't picture myself wanting to drive 40 in 5th. Even 50 in 5th results in no available torque, and no engine braking. That may not bother you, but I don't like it.
I made some casual observations on the way to work this morning and have decided that mine has spent less than 25% of its 36,000 miles in fifth gear. Most of the really fun miles have been in third. I like to keep the engine speed in the 2 - 3000 RPM range for casual driving and between 2500 and 4000 for more spirited driving, with regular forays into the 4-6000 range.
As I said before, I would like to have the 3.73:1 drive axle in my car, as I think it would provide more value than any of the six-speeds I have seen available.
If a six-speed were available with a wider ratio range than the AR-5 that we already have it would be a different story.
__________________
John
Lexington, KY
Sky VIN 00252
5-Sp Manual
Midnight Blue
Agreed, the 3.73 seems to be the ideal ratio for the stock motor. I have about 120ft/lbs more that most other kappa's but comes in 1krpm later. I still would like the 3.42 simply because it will load the motor harder/spool the turbo fasterin 1st & 2nd.
Clearly we use our cars in vastly different ways. I can't picture myself wanting to drive 40 in 5th. Even 50 in 5th results in no available torque, and no engine braking. That may not bother you, but I don't like it.
I made some casual observations on the way to work this morning and have decided that mine has spent less than 25% of its 36,000 miles in fifth gear. Most of the really fun miles have been in third. I like to keep the engine speed in the 2 - 3000 RPM range for casual driving and between 2500 and 4000 for more spirited driving, with regular forays into the 4-6000 range.
As I said before, I would like to have the 3.73:1 drive axle in my car, as I think it would provide more value than any of the six-speeds I have seen available.
If a six-speed were available with a wider ratio range than the AR-5 that we already have it would be a different story.
I don't try to do quick accelerations in 5th at 40 or 50. I'll downshift for that. But when just cruising, especially with the cruise control on, there's no reason to be running high rpms.
Is the clutch a 10 spline or 26 spline?
I wonder if a TKO500 or 600 would be best. The former if strong enough would rob less HP to turn. Physically smaller as well.
anyone? Im installing a TKO500 into our project TT v-6 stang. (it raped the t-5) It's a 10 spline shaft. These transmissions can take some pretty serious arse kickings!
Id also like to squawk at lakewood or Mcloed for a blowproof bellhousing.
Ever had a clutch let go above 6Krpm? Not funny at all.
I consistently drive it in 5th at 40 MPH, which is why I don't understand the thought process behind the 2.4L not being able to handle a second over drive.
At 65 MPH I'm pushing 2400 rpms... I'd like to get that down around 2 grand, if not right under. A final (second o/d) of .64 would put 65 MPH at 2050 rpms... which would be a WHOLE lot better. Both on engine wear and gas mileage.
Toad
I have a GXP but a similiar desire - I would like to be turning ~2K rpms at 70 mph rather than the ~2500 rpms currently. This would have to add a mpg or two to the EPA highway rating...
I would think GM would want this as well - A GXP with an EPA rated 30 MPG on the highway. This would be a marketing coup especially as Audi is already crowing about the 29MPG (highway) the new TTS is being rated at.
FYI - The new TTS will only be available with a 6-speed DSG in the U.S. - No manual...
I have a GXP but a similiar desire - I would like to be turning ~2K rpms at 70 mph rather than the ~2500 rpms currently. This would have to add a mpg or two to the EPA highway rating...
I would think GM would want this as well - A GXP with an EPA rated 30 MPG on the highway. This would be a marketing coup especially as Audi is already crowing about the 29MPG (highway) the new TTS is being rated at.
FYI - The new TTS will only be available with a 6-speed DSG in the U.S. - No manual...
At nearly $70,000 per unit, I don't think GM has anything to worry from the TTS.
IMO, GM needs to install their 300HP 3.6L DI V6 with a 6-speed (like they are going to do with the 2010 Camaro) if they want to get sales going again for the Kappa line.
I would love to have a 40 mpg diesel sports car, I just don't think Audi will bring it over. My daily driver right now is a VW Jetta diesel and I'm getting close to 38 combined with the ac on all the time and driving 75 on the highway.
At nearly $70,000 per unit, I don't think GM has anything to worry from the TTS.
That is actually kind of my point - GM could have have a $30K, 30 MPG sports car rather than a $70K, 29 MPG Audi - His and Hers 30 MPG Solstices for $10K less than one 29 MPG Audi TTS...
Sounds like a marketing slogan to me - The 30-30 Solstice...
You will sell lots to NRA members :-)
Add the GMPP 290HP kit from the factory and the GXP will be quicker as well!
But alas, GM is none to clever for something like this now-a-days...
Last edited by petervegas : 09-01-2008 at 10:21 AM.
I don't think any of us can think as well as GM on marketing. I don't see why GM would waste money on reinventing the Kappa with a V style motor. The car base is cheap, it should stay that way. If a different motor was put in like a V style motor, then crash test and everything would have to be redone. Not worth it. Especially since the Kappa platform didn't make GM rich, it just brought people to the showroom.
I cruise at 35mph in 5th. As long as I cruise at that speed then I'm good. If I have to speed up I shift. I don't even try to accel. If the miata can pull of a 6 speed cruise than the solstice should have too. I want a 6 speed swap just to get rid off all the noise, chatter, banging, and whatever else noise this combo makes while driving and shifting.
LS2 Solstice : I cruise at 35mph in 5th. As long as I cruise at that speed then I'm good. If I have to speed up I shift. I don't even try to accel. If the miata can pull of a 6 speed cruise than the solstice should have too. I want a 6 speed swap just to get rid off all the noise, chatter, banging, and whatever else noise this combo makes while driving and shifting.
A 6-speed will give you closer ratios, but nothing that is currently available will make any difference in engine speed at cruise.
Most of the noises are generated in the drive axle and propeller shaft. A 6-speed won't change that, either.
__________________
John
Lexington, KY
Sky VIN 00252
5-Sp Manual
Midnight Blue
Most of the noises are generated in the drive axle and propeller shaft. A 6-speed won't change that, either.
Really? That sucks. The problems I have with my car are more than just the typical whine from the rear end. My throwout bearing is going bad, and I can feel all the driveline vibrations and noise on my feet and through my shifter. It's pretty bad.
Thanks for the info though.
LS2 Solstice : Really? That sucks. The problems I have with my car are more than just the typical whine from the rear end. My throwout bearing is going bad, and I can feel all the driveline vibrations and noise on my feet and through my shifter. It's pretty bad.
Thanks for the info though.
Jay
Changing the transmission won't do anything for a throwout bearing problem, either.
__________________
John
Lexington, KY
Sky VIN 00252
5-Sp Manual
Midnight Blue
