Quote:
Originally Posted by yenkoboy
I really just do the speed limit but the speed limit in my area is 70mph on many of the big highways.
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A lot of people are under the impression that the posted MAXIMUM LEGAL SPEED is the speed you should be driving at. My CAT C15 engine can develop 500 hp at 1600 rpm but I'm driving - depending on the terrain and the load - either at 58, 59 or 60 miles per hour. Why? Because at these speeds my engine turns at 1,300-1,350 RPM which is the best RPM for fuel mileage with my CAT. And I"m passed by guys who do 70 or 75 miles per hour but guess what - they pass me more than once!!!
I suggest you find out what your engine best fuel mileage RPM is and stop following the crowd. Drive at the speed that's best for your engine and accelerate slowly from lights. If the best engine speed translates into a road speed that's too low for your liking - you might look into changing your rear axle ratio or maybe switching to taller tires. ENGINE RPM AT 60 MPH = Axle ratio x Top gear ratio x Tires revs per mile.