Auto Clutch Damage

[bo9roadking]

Anyone running 3000 rpms must drive Buicks. I own a Miata and never go below 4000 rpms. I find 5000 to be the sweet spot!

5000 rpms is the sweet spot for me also, but I start getting some belt harmonic vibrations around that rpm too. Gets frustrating cruising on the hwy at 70 and the belt starts sending vibrations through the spyder. I may have to get a belt tensioner, but that is for a different thread.

 

[Kratos]

5000 rpms is the sweet spot for me also, but I start getting some belt harmonic vibrations around that rpm too. Gets frustrating cruising on the hwy at 70 and the belt starts sending vibrations through the spyder. I may have to get a belt tensioner, but that is for a different thread.

So that's what that is!!! I knew something was off when I felt that!! Feels like the road has become rugged or something.

Thanks. :thumbup:

 

[Sny]

So that's what that is!!! I knew something was off when I felt that!! Feels like the road has become rugged or something.
Thanks. :thumbup:

It's telling you to downshift (RS's like even higher rpms than RT's.)

Lower rpm doesn't always mean better mileage. If you had super tall gears in your car and drove around at 700rpms you would get awful mileage if you could maintain speed at all. Riding your Spyder around at 3500rpms is similar. You're burning more fuel to generate less power.

Rather than tell you what I do and the results...

Try changing your habits drastically. Drop down a gear or two for a full tank. Cruise on the highway in 4th instead of shifting through the gears as quick as possible to top gear. See what your mileage is. Try again in 3rd for a tank. It won't hurt anything. You'll be very surprised at the results.

A lot of the high miles guys have learned the higher, more efficient, rpms are where the good mileage is at. It's also better for the engine (good oil pressure, no voltage drops), avoids excessive clutch wear and damage (on the SE), REDUCES vibration, reduces transmission wear (less downshifting to accelerate) and puts you in a better position to speed up when necessary (safer.)

If you're already a high mpg rider, you won't be tempted to jump on it and accelerate rapidly, which of course reduces fuel efficiency. But give this is a try and tell us what you've discovered.

Afterwards I'll throw around the math that tells you why it's happening. :doorag: