I enjoy shifting through my 92' RS 700r4 sometimes but I also like keeping it in a single gear too. I have been keeping it in 2nd around town from about 30-45mph. Is this ok to do? I know when I shift up into 3rd the rpms drop around 45mph so does that mean when I run it to 45 in 2nd its hard on the engine if I leave it there? Basically, what is the best gear to drive about 40-50mph in 2nd or 3rd?

 

im answering this question from experience on other cars so if its a little off for the 700r4, please forgive me (havent gotten a chance to drive the Firebird that fast yett), but at 40-50 mph im pretty sure ur going fast enough to go into 4th gear, or OD, that would be the easiest on the motor since its turning a much less rmp to maintain the same speed, in turn ull do much less wear and tear on the motor. hope this helps some

 

yep, about 40mph the trans will go into overdrive... and my torque converter will lock up at that point to go into overdrive

i wouldnt be leaving it in second while cruising 30-50mph... it increases stress on the trans.. i'd just keep it in drive or upshift to drive when ur just cruising. its an auto... not ment to be driven like a stick. save the gas and lower ur rpms.

i have 3.27 gears and in overdrive, i can putts around 65-70 at around 2000rpms all day. its a good gear for decent performance and good mileage at the same time.

to maximize a motor running a power peak of 4500-5000rpms like TPI in a 700r4 and 25.7-26inch tire (street tires or slick), go with a 3.42 gear. 3.73 will be slightly higher and more suited to a car with a peak in the 5000-5500 range. 3.42's will keep nice driving to with the overdrive. for all around good driving with that 4500-5000 peak rpm motor, 3.23 or 3.27's are sweet.

 

wow if ur at 2k rpms at 65-70mph what would i be at with my 305 and 273's? will i have a decent gas mileage? lol thanks for the help

 

about 1700 with lockup