Richie7
Viper Owner
Question from a new owner. What speed/rpm do you guys use 6th gear? At 70mph the rpm are only like 1300, which seems to low to drive the engine at?
Thanks in advance for the info.
Thanks in advance for the info.
I use it whenever I'm at 70mph (whether it be on Interstate, school zone, streetracing, etc). Scaring kids in the crosswalk and getting 22mpg all at the same time!
But seriously, I do use it at 70mph and above.
I'm jealous. Anyone that has 70 mph school zones must be Royalty.
Chad is my hero. Again.
....Thanks for the replies everyone, they were really helpful. The RPM just seemed very low and I did not want to damage the engine, especially during the break-in period. So how do you actually define "lugging" the engine then? -Rich
I think running the RPM that low in any type of driving where you are adding throttle at all is not worth your time. The car is adding fuel and you are not going anywhere (wasting). If you are doing this your mileage will probably be worse than being down a gear. I have customers tell me all the time they get better mileage after switching to a 3.55 and using 6th because it is NOT lugging and waisting fuel (less overall load on the motor requires less fuel).
This is just my opinion but why would anyone buy a viper and worry about the fuel mileage? I never use 5Th or 6Th gear as I want all the power and torque available for acceleration when on the highway. I personally don't care that I only get 15 mpg. if I was looking for fuel mileage I sure would never but a viper!