Tachometer

[SPYDERFUZZ]

I read some where on one of these threads about what to turn to and now I can't find it. I believe they said shift between 5 & 6,000 RPM Well I wasn't doing that until today I did. To me being an old old truck driver we shifted the to a higher gear when we reach 21,000 and when the RPM dropped to 17,000 we dropped down a gear. If you ran up to say 23,000 and tried to shift you and to wait until it dropped to 21,000 before you could get it back in gear or revved the motor to get the RPM up to the truck speed. I hope I am explaining this but today I never got to 5th gear. If waited until I am running the RPM between 5 & 6,000 RPM I was going about 65 mph in 4th gear and it felt like I was winding it to tight. If y'all say that's where I should be, then fine I just don't want the motor to end up in my lap.

[NancysToy]

You don't have to operate quite that high, but the Spyder engine is certainly happiest there. The SE clutch becomes fully engaged at 3,200 +/- 200 rpm, so you should try to keep the rpm above 3,500 (after the shift) as much as possible. This is especially important under load, two up, towing a trailer, or carrying a passenger. A low ceiling of 4,000 is probably best for the safety of the clutch, allowing for a little variation in throttle settings and gear selection. That would mean shifting at 5,000 or above. You'll have to get used to the higher rpm...this isn't your old diesel. You won't hurt the engine even if you run it higher than 6,000.

[Jeriatric]

Here ya go.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?41346-quot-Do-s-and-Do-Nots-quot-for-new-Spyder-owners&highlight=DO%27S+DONTS


And, you must have been running a Cummings or Cat.......cause a Detroit would have fallen on its face at those RPM's. :roflblack:

[Chupaca]

your doing fine. I hardly use 5th gear, when I do it is when I 'm on the freeway or clear open road and get over 70 mph. It does run great there and has plenty more...relax..!! :ohyea:

[SPYDERFUZZ]

Okay guyus thanks for the info. I do know at 5,500 in 4th gear it will give you whip lash if you stomp on it.

Thanks again:pray:

It was a Cummings Jerbear

[Ga Blue Knight]

:agree: Keep the RPMs up to shift at around 5,000 is great but no less than 4,000. I down shift at 4,000 and use mostly engine breaking to slow down.

[retired1]

I think that the OP put 1 too many zeros on the diesel RPM's. :thumbup:

[ARtraveler]

The previous posters have you covered. I will only add that you get used to the louder engine noise and the higher rpm's pretty quickly. When you are operating at about 5000, you are always in the power band for whenever you need it. It also seems strange at first to drive the 55 mph highways in 4th gear--when there is another one to use. I only use my 5th gear when on the 65+ slabs these days.