ponyman

So on my drive to work, and a lot of the streets around here have a 45 mph speed limit. So I usually cruise around at 50 mph, generally I like to stay below 10 over so I don't get too noticed. I just had an accident in August and don't really need any more on my record for awhile. Well at 50mph I am turning about 1500rpm in 5th gear. But at that rpm there seems to be a little lugging. In 4th gear I am turning about 2100-2200, or so. The car doesn't seem to do so well in 5th below 55mph. Has anyone else noticed this? What gear do you guys normally cruise around in when you are doing the 45-55mph thing? Anyway, I was just wondering what others experiences were.

Big Red

for me if Im in fourth gear any lower than 40mph it feels like its really dragging, and I dont like to touch 5th until 60, of course thats probably a good reason why Im averaging 13-14 mpg =/

Claytone

I am in the same situation quite often. I generally stay in 4th until i pass 2500rpm, then if I'm just cruising with no intentions of racing, I'll go into 5th. It is a little luggish, but I live in FL so no hills to really strain my car, plus the gas mileage is awesome, I've seen 30mpg goin 59mph in 5th.

JJ_Stang

I find fifth useless under 60, the RPM's are very low. I usually bomb around town in 3rd so I can hear the exhaust.

AmericanMuscle4.6GT

i usually take 4th until 55 mph. i think its the perfect gear, driving around town i turn about 2100 rpms, not too high, but just enough so that ive got plenty of passing power.

haha id do that but as you know gas is expensive.

ThisBlood147

As a general rule, I stay in 4th till about 55. I then go with 5th.....unless I'm in an area with traffic. If you are on the open road and probably won't be doing much stopping or braking, then going into 5th at 45-50 isn't bad. You just do it in situations when you are cruisin at constant speeds and don't need your powerband......it will save alot on gas. Otherwise, 45-55....stay in 4th.

topless05GT

Depending on what I need, I'm always going between 4th and 5th in that kind of traffic. 4th to pick up the pace, 5th to cruise... 5th to be quiet, 4th to make a little noise...

Daniel60

I shift on to 5th anything over 40 usually. Now if I'm cowboying it then whatever. My car is so strong I can climb any hill or bridge in 5th. It loves to haul *** in any gear.

2006MustangGTNYC

+1

4wheelkillr

+2...
appears like the only people who keep it in the lower gear just want the availability of extra power...
but I do the same thing...at 50mph i'm in 5th...rpms are low and way under the powerband but I don't need the power so what's the difference...if I have to pass someone 3rd is only a flick-of-the-wrist away.
I say save the gas...at $2.51/gallon (here in denver) I only rev if I have to (like embarrassing that fartcan civic)