sid719e

I have a 2007 GT 5 speed manual and was curious about the total lack of acceleration when in 5th gear. Are these cars more or less 4 speeds with 5th being basically overdrive? I don't get it into 5th very much - do most of my driving around town, but I noticed that when I am on the highway, I just don't get very good acceleration with I'm in 5th gear. Is this normal?

CPTCO

Acceleration is ok in fifth for me. But I do usually shift down when passing someone on the highway.

danzcool

4th is the 1:1 gear ratio, 5th is an overdrive/0.68 ratio...
So, as a comparison, at 3000 RPMs in 4th with stock tires and 3.55 gear ratio, you would be going about 68MPH, take that to 5th and you would be going 100, that's a wide gap in gearing. And I recall not even getting into the power band until 3000-3500 RPMs. so, yeah, 5th is a cruising gear, not an acceleration gear... at least until you get north of 500RWHP.
I went for the t56 magum 6 speed so I got a .8 5th and .63 6th, it's a much smoother progression and allows 5th to have some kick in it still.

Nuke

I'll only accelerate in 5th if it's a gentle acceleration AND not going uphill.

Ricardo

4.10s help make 5th useable, but now you have an excuse to buy a power adder

Suicide Bobb

5th was much more useable after a CAI and Bama tune...I only downshift sometimes on the highway