RPM

[RAK]

This is probably going to sound like a stupid question, but I am going to ask it anyway:

I am new to the world of 4-Cylinder cars. I used to drive a 5-speed Trans Am and still drive a stock 1940 Ford. I have a bone stock, base 2003 PT with a 5 speed. It has about 2000 miles on it. I took it on its first long drive last weekend-from L.A. to Las Vegas. Going over Cajon, it was obvious that 5th gear was not going to work, so I climbed in 4th at about 70mph at around 4,000 RPM. It had absolultey no problem, but should the engine be run at that high of an RPM for that long? What is correct?


Thank you.

RAK

R.A.K.

[WUWU20]

Sup RAK...man, it wouldn't climb at 70 in 5th gear??...I live in southern WV and I have never had to find another gear running 65 and up (up alot sometimes..say 90 <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>). I don't think I would run it at that high of a RPM for very long, I could be wrong tho, but like I said..I have never had a problem with my 5sp up here.

be cool, James <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

[BORICUA]

Ok related to that, kind off, I was testing the performance of my PT with the new intake and i took it up to like 5500 on first and like 5000 on second and after a few minutes after i went easy on it my engine light came on,???? anyone know any related reason for thi to happen??
I'm really starting to worry about it.

[KR4MC Steve]

Just for the record:

Run the PT up to 6000 frequently & to the 6250 rev limiter occasionally.

No engine lights or codes in 10,000 miles.

Never need to drop a gear from 5th if going over 70mph, even on 5-6% mountain grades.

Only performance mods are a K@N FIPK GEN II Intake & Dynomax muffler.

2002 Inferno Red 5-Speed Touring Edition
www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291109263

[BORICUA]

So, any explanation for my engine light to come on like that, I only have 1600 miles on my 03 base but this light is starting to bug me, everything looks normal and sound normal just that light.
thanks

[renichms]

It's entirely safe to run it under 6000 RPMs all the time. You could run around everywhere at 4000 RPMs if you want, although mileage may suffer for it. Personally, I VERY frequently run 1st and 2nd gears to the redline, although speed limits don't allow 3rd to.

Higher RPMs are where the power of this car really kicks in.

RN

See Mephisto

[renichms]

Can't figure how to edit...

70 mph in 4th gear isn't bad. I've had mine up to about 112 mph in 4th gear.

RN

See Mephisto

[bobs turbo pt]

like already mentioned gas milage would probably not be that good but other than that it should be ok