Something interesting/Possibly obvious

[AlmondTurbo]

I have noticed now on 3 occasions, driving by those police 'road-side radars', I'm reading 1 mph fast per 20. 40 1ndicated is only 38. That's 5 mph at 100 (95 mph true), and that's probably a good thing. I actually have not been to 100, and don't see the need. I've read the posts about the OEM tires, and that also limits my speed.

[technobear]

Didnt think about the tires!! i should have known because i used to sell them and know all about the speed restrictions.
On the lighter side FYI ive only gone that fast 2x. So, i dont think its a problem.

[stirfry]

Not that I'm encouraging it, but how did it feel at that speed. Was it shakey, How did font and rear handel. Did you feel any lift? I test drove a GT with car sales man I just went up to 45 on off road. but it got their quick.

[technobear]

You know how responsive the PT is at normal speeds? It gets even more responsive at top speed. (that is bad) you have to have a smoothhand to go alright. The road i wind up on is relatively rough. On a good note the suspension rides smoothe as glass at that speed.

IMHO

( Driving fast is nothing new to me. but it gets me pulse going in this car)

[Konkeler]

I got mine up to 90mph passing a truck on the intestate. Thing kept going ahead and was picking up speed, but it was also struggling somewhat. I forgot what RPM I was at.

What are the "Rear" gear ratios on a PT Cruiser??

I know with my Malibu I can redline at 75mph in 2nd gear with a 3.42 rear ratio. Also, there is no Over-Drive gear, 4th gear is a 1.00 ratio (I wish it had a OD gear)Never Redlined it in 3rd or 4th because 1.) Speedometer only goes up to 80mph 2.) Old cars don't do too good at high speeds.

But thats nothing, Try taking a 89 Dodge Conbersion van up to 85mph. Thing was screaming and started shaking, I don't think it woudl have gone much higher!!! [:0]

[RallyDRock]

I know that the earlier PT's had a taller ratio for better get up and go but DC changed it to improve fuel economy.
My 2001 service manual says:
NV350 Manual Transaxle
1st:3.50
2nd:1.95
3rd:1.36
4th:0.97
5th:0.81
FINAL: 3.94

From B Stockum: clutch torque capacity=245 ft/lbs

41TE Automatic Transaxle
1st:2.84
2nd:1.57
3rd:1.00
4th:0.69
FINAL: 2.0L=4.07
2.4L=3.91

[Goldenturtle02]

I've cruised to lil over 100mph and the car was steady as a rock. My TR-4 was a little twichy at century speeds, my old '69 Dodge van was scary over 95 mph! and truly brick shaped. This was the old style with the motor between the seats. Made it easy to adjust the carb while driving. I was young and foolish then!