New to me '03, have some ?'s

[JPLB22]

This is my first HPCR engine and also my first truck where I have to row my own gears. So please forgive me for these next few dumb questions.



I have the NV4500, so from what I understand I have 250 horse and 460 torque, right ? If this is so, why no increase in the torque of the SO engine from '02 to '03 ?



What is a good shift point when the engine is cold and when the engine is at normal running temp ??



My old truck is in my sig still, when towing uphill with that old truck I would lock out OD and still be able to handle 65 mph in 3rd at 2500 rpm. Now with this '03 and the 5 speed, it seems that if I try to keep it in 4th I won't be able to do much more than 50-55 mph. This truck has 3. 73's and the old truck had 3. 55's. Is it alright to pull uphill in 5th gear OD if I keep the rpms above say 1800 ??



TIA



Jeff

 

[mconstable]

First off... Congrats on your new truck!!!

When my truck is cold, I try to shift just under 2,000 RPM's, but only if I'm not lugging with the next gear, I have a 6-spd, so our shift points are different, but I try to land the next gear about 1,500 RPM's or so, unless I'm going uphill, then I try and keep the RPM's up a bit, it'll take a bit of practice to find out what your truck likes... it's more an accelerator pedal feel, if you have to peg it to keep up speed, downshift... if you can speed up by giving it a bit of a "goose" you're OK.

Towing... same thing... these trucks love the 2,000 RPM range apparently, any lower and it's struggling, any more any your fuel mileage starts going downhill, but in the power(torque)bandthat it LOVES!...

hope my rambling helps...

Michael

 

[JPLB22]

Thanks mconstable !



I am enjoying the new truck so far ! But I seem to be having trouble with the 2nd to 3rd shift. That is the only one where the engine seems to lug a little bit, and then zoom, it takes off. I feel like a shmuck when I'm driving, wish I would have had more experience with manual trannies. I guess I gotta start somewhere though !



Anyone else on towing uphill in 5th gear if the RPM's are kept above 1800 ??



Jeff

 

[gonzo2]

Anyone else on towing uphill in 5th gear if the RPM's are kept above 1800 ??

It kind of depends on what your towing and how steep the hill. After a while you will get a feel for when you are lugging the motor. Generally if you are losing speed or have to go right to the floor, then downshift.



Don't be afraid of using the RPM's, these motors can run all day in the mid to high 2000's. Sounds like you can use a few more revs before you shift to 3rd.



I remember my '98. 5 5 speed having a big gap between 3rd and 4th, it's not a big deal empty but towing I think you will find yourself waiting for higher revs to shift.



I never worry too much about the RPM's warming up. I certainly don't max it out but I really just go the first few miles without letting my right foot get into it too quickly.



Enjoy

 

[mconstable]

Don't feel like a schmuck... you're just getting used to a new friend!!LOL...

Seriously, I have never owned anything but sticks, and this thing took some getting used to, especially when towing... I'm surprised the drive-line took the bad shifts and clunky-shifting!!

But when you get a feel for how the computer holds on to the RPM's in-between shifts, you'll use it to your advantage, and it will be like buttah!!

If you're like me, it might take a few (or quite a few) tows, though.

 

[MMeier]

Yep, these 3rd gen engines are definitely different from any thing previous, red line at 3250 RPM's or so! Mine seems to be happiest buzzing along at 2200- 2800 RPM's when towing while loaded down. When shifting while loaded , I try to drop it so the next gear will start off at about 2000-2100 or so, seems to like it!! Oo.

 

[JPLB22]

Thanks for the responses everyone !



I just got back from a football game with the fellas, and it feels like I've shredded my left hamstring. Don't know how much shifting I'll being doing for a while now :{ .



Jeff