kcdoyle said:
Might be a silly question, but, is it any "harder" on the M5 powerplant to be at 3000 rpm for an extended period of time versus being at say 5500 rpm for the same length of time? Also, has anyone done a definitive rpm matrix I could memorize for greater downshift efficiency? i.e. 3200 rpm in 2nd equals what ?? speed. For example: if I am going 45 in 4th and want to drop to 2nd (or 3rd) to horse her around, where should I rev her before letting loose of the clutch?
Just curious.
Well, if every engine has a finite number of rpms in a lifetime before rebuild, then tecnically the answer is it is harder at higher rpm. As a practical matter, as long as you are not living at the redline, I don't think you are doing any real harm. The service indictors will go more quickly, so assuming you properly service the car, all other things being equal, there is no practical downside to the car.
To get the different speed in gears, check out
www.smokemup.com. Put in the tire diameter in inches (25.7 stock), rear end ratio (3.15 is stock), the gears, (4.23, 2.53, 1.67, 1.23, 1.00 and .83) and set the torque slip to 0. It will show the speed in gears (not corrected for any speedo error). Enjoy.
Regards,
Jerry