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Dick Steinkamp · 11-06-2016, 03:42 PM

Assuming 2850 is redline for a stock A (likely, since that is flat out in high gear...it won't rev any more). 30 MPH in second is 2450 RPM. This equates to 85% of redline.

Assume a modern car redlines at 6,000 RPM. 85% of its redline is 5,100 RPM. Would anyone normally change gears in a modern stick shift car at 5,100 all the time?

Certainly a burst to 30 MPH in second may be necessary every now and then in our As to get into an opening in traffic, etc, just as a burst to 5,100 RPM is necessary every now and then in the lower gears in a modern stick shift car...but always? (actually, at least my A stops accelerating briskly well short of 30 in second gear)

Why would Henry tell us to change out of second to high at 12-15 MPH if 30-35 was as good or better?

11-06-2016, 03:42 PM	#38
Dick Steinkamp Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 1,163	Re: How fast in 2nd gear? Assuming 2850 is redline for a stock A (likely, since that is flat out in high gear...it won't rev any more). 30 MPH in second is 2450 RPM. This equates to 85% of redline. Assume a modern car redlines at 6,000 RPM. 85% of its redline is 5,100 RPM. Would anyone normally change gears in a modern stick shift car at 5,100 all the time? Certainly a burst to 30 MPH in second may be necessary every now and then in our As to get into an opening in traffic, etc, just as a burst to 5,100 RPM is necessary every now and then in the lower gears in a modern stick shift car...but always? (actually, at least my A stops accelerating briskly well short of 30 in second gear) Why would Henry tell us to change out of second to high at 12-15 MPH if 30-35 was as good or better? __________________ All steel from pedal to wheel