chip , best gear for GO
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From: Western Massachusetts
chip , best gear for GO
This is a hypothetical question.
I've got a '98 F150 XLT with the STX trim. It's got the 4.6 with a five speed. Im using a Superchip, and have a cat back dual exhaust. I was wondering, if I were in a situation where I wanted to make a rapid pass (around a not so slow moving vehicle), say at a speed of around nintey-five, would I be better off hanging on to fourth intill I've made it by. Would shifting into fith at around one hundred mph (I'd guess about 4300 rpm) get me by quicker. The rev limiter should shut me down at 5700, so I'd think there was more room on fourth. I'm just not sure that I would have optimal power in fourth as the rpm's get up there. I'm guessing that fith gear is much taller, but I think the rpm's would drop too much to be able to pick it back up.
I guess it really dos'nt matter, I would NEVER drive that fast! I was just wondering.
Tom
I've got a '98 F150 XLT with the STX trim. It's got the 4.6 with a five speed. Im using a Superchip, and have a cat back dual exhaust. I was wondering, if I were in a situation where I wanted to make a rapid pass (around a not so slow moving vehicle), say at a speed of around nintey-five, would I be better off hanging on to fourth intill I've made it by. Would shifting into fith at around one hundred mph (I'd guess about 4300 rpm) get me by quicker. The rev limiter should shut me down at 5700, so I'd think there was more room on fourth. I'm just not sure that I would have optimal power in fourth as the rpm's get up there. I'm guessing that fith gear is much taller, but I think the rpm's would drop too much to be able to pick it back up.
I guess it really dos'nt matter, I would NEVER drive that fast! I was just wondering.
Tom
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Joined: Mar 1998
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From: Virginia
Hi Tom,
Actually, that's a good question.
In this situation, with that vehicle, you'd want to just stay in 5th, for a few reasons. As you pointed out, the rev limiter kicks in at 5700 rpm, and by that point, you're well past the power curve in these SOHC mod motors anyway, so even though you lose a bit of torque multiplication by being in 5th instead of 4th gear, the motor is making far more power at 4500 rpm than it is at 5700+ rpm (unless the cylinder heads have had a serious porting job along with other mods, etc.)
So just lay the hammer down & stay in 5th in that scenario, would be our suggestion. Of course, far be it from us to suggest driving on public roads at those speeds!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer
Actually, that's a good question.
In this situation, with that vehicle, you'd want to just stay in 5th, for a few reasons. As you pointed out, the rev limiter kicks in at 5700 rpm, and by that point, you're well past the power curve in these SOHC mod motors anyway, so even though you lose a bit of torque multiplication by being in 5th instead of 4th gear, the motor is making far more power at 4500 rpm than it is at 5700+ rpm (unless the cylinder heads have had a serious porting job along with other mods, etc.)
So just lay the hammer down & stay in 5th in that scenario, would be our suggestion. Of course, far be it from us to suggest driving on public roads at those speeds!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Western Massachusetts
Thanks Mike for your answer to my hypothetical question. Your vehicle knowlege seems endless.
I'll tell you, the Superchip has..... I mean will really unlock the potential of this motor.
The transmission though, is all truck. Anyone know anything about a short throw shifter for these trucks? I went to "transmissions" but couldn't find anything. If anyone has come across this type of thing in there search for mods, could you let me know?
Mike, your information will help me out, "hypothetically".
Tom
I'll tell you, the Superchip has..... I mean will really unlock the potential of this motor.
The transmission though, is all truck. Anyone know anything about a short throw shifter for these trucks? I went to "transmissions" but couldn't find anything. If anyone has come across this type of thing in there search for mods, could you let me know?
Mike, your information will help me out, "hypothetically".
Tom