Change-up RPM - make some noise

[Nick_Chim]

Here's one that is (hopefully) preaching to the choir on this forum, but has frustrated me on observed runs with several different people recently - I'd be interested in other Observers' views....

Several recent associates (in petrol engined cars) have changed up at 1800-2200 rpm. Hence, the car never gets into the (3000-4500-ish RPM) power band and spends most of its time sluggishly bogged down. When questioned, the reason is usually "the engine was starting to get noisy!". Their cars (a variety from BMW 3srs to 406 to Daiwoo somethings) get a new lease of life as "quite nippy" when they are encouraged to make a bit more noise and change up circa 3000 rpm or even (shock horror) hang on to 4000.

Anyone else seeing this? Interested whether it's a Nottingham thing or more widespread.

[Nick_Chim]

GreenV8S said:

Laboring the engine like that is actually very bad for it, the engine will last longer if you use more revs and less torque. It's also safer as you have more throttle authority.

my point entirely Peter.

[Nick_Chim]

EmmaP said:

Nick_Chim said: Anyone else seeing this? Interested whether it's a Nottingham thing or more widespread. I love revs, especially those over 4,000. Ooh lovely! Edited to add that I am in Nottingham.

I seem to recall that you didn't suffer from this problem Emma!

[Nick_Chim]

Polarbert said:

Was also taught on the IAM to use 3rd @ 30, 4th @ 40. Which I disagreed with. My observer was unsure so asked someone in the know, said they would fail me if I didn't use their system. I understand the advantages of using 3rd at 30, but its more economical and just as safe in my eyes to use 4th.

they weren't in the know! 3rd @ 30, 4th @ 40 is a guideline only - you won't get failed for not doing it provided that what you are doing is justified and sensible. As Trevor rightly says, there is no 'one size fits all' prescription, but people do generally short-shift meaning that the engine is labouring and the delay between throttle movement and increase in power output from the engine is longer. If this means that you are spending longer at larger throttle openings to get the reaction you need, then this can be less economical than using a lower gear.