[mhed58]

is it OK to drive around 4,000 rpm? And is it harmful to downshift to slow down?
thanks in advance Art

[drumzz]

no of course, slowing down using gears is sometimes referred to as using engine braking..and to get the most out of your mini you will definitely have to push it harder than 4k rpm, the limiter on the stock r50/r53 is at 6800rpm i believe, so you have no problem!

[Restyle]

I always use engine braking to slow down, & usually change gear anywhere between 5000 - 6500 revs
{when feeling slightly naughty}

[mhed58]

Infast acceleration I try to shift between 5-65,000 .
but what about cruising in second or third gear.
Is it criminal not to shiuft to first if you don't come to a complete stop?

[Restyle]

Seeing as you`ve got a Supercharger - Its criminal Not to listen to the Whine at those revs
The only downside is the fuel economy - and seeing as youy pay around Half what we in the UK do then enjoy what you can afford

Its normal to take off in second without reverting to 1st if you`re still going at between 5-10mph

[pimbeche]

take off means , like starting from standstill, , how would you go 5-10 mph when you are not moving?

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by pimbeche (original)

take off means , like starting from standstill, , how would you go 5-10 mph when you are not moving?

Not really - I could be slowing down for a light that then changes to green & I floor it & Take off

[James]

Quote: Originally Posted by pimbeche (original)

how would you go 5-10 mph when you are not moving?

You are lame!

[mhed58]

Well, sometimes I get lazy and if I'm still rolling, I don't go into first, and the clutch feels fine, as in no extra reving needed.
I'm more intrerested in 3rd gear cruising rpm, I love the feel of high reving engine, but don't want to prematurely wear out the clutch?

[steeve]

No sense in always going to 1st if you donr stop, so long as the engine doesnt lug down to much, it should always feel responsive and acelerate away easily. Dont cruise in a low gear if you dont have to, you will reduce the life of the engine, reduce service intervals and increase fuel consumption. Perhaps you should thing about getting the automatic?

[James]

Quote: Originally Posted by mhed58 (original)

Well, sometimes I get lazy and if I'm still rolling, I don't go into first, and the clutch feels fine, as in no extra reving needed.
I'm more intrerested in 3rd gear cruising rpm, I love the feel of high reving engine, but don't want to prematurely wear out the clutch?

I think I understand what you mean now, its ok to cruise around under 4000 revs but above that I wouldn't for more than a few minutes. I don't think its bad for the clutch but it does put unecessary strain on the engine. Having said that I do stay in 3rd 90% of the time

[mhed58]

thanks guys
I couldn't afford the automatic. Anyway I bought the Mini for fun, If it was an automatic, my wife and daugher would take it all the time. I love being in this fast go kart. I realize now that I should shift more often to save the engine,