Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site hp-pcd.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!hao!hplabs!hp-pcd!orstcs!hakanson From: hakanson@orstcs.UUCP Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: Re: (1) shock absorbers (2) when to shif - (nf) Message-ID: <1342@hp-pcd.UUCP> Date: Fri, 15-Jul-83 03:30:05 EDT Article-I.D.: hp-pcd.1342 Posted: Fri Jul 15 03:30:05 1983 Date-Received: Sat, 16-Jul-83 05:00:07 EDT Sender: netnews@hp-pcd.UUCP Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Corvallis OR Lines: 26 #R:rlgvax:-81800:orstcs:3000003:000:1300 orstcs!hakanson Jul 13 11:45:00 1983 In answer to your second question, Smokey Yunick responded in Popular Science Magazine to a similar question. According to him, it is very difficult to damage your engine by "lugging" it down too low. It is very easy to cause excess wear or damage to your engine by revving it too high. Of course, all this should be done within reason. One way you could hurt your engine by lugging it would be if the oil pressure went too low to lubricate the engine under load. Since an engine in good condition can maintain oil pressure at or above idle speed, then you should be safe at low rpm's. Of course, it is uncomfortable to drive a bucking and missing car, and you can't accelerate if you need to, but you won't be damaging your engine, as long as detonation (pinging) isn't too severe. As you can see, there are a lot of "ifs" involved. It depends on the condition of your car, the load involved, etc. Basically, you are advised to run the car at as low an RPM that is comfortable and still provide adequate power to move the car. Avoid excessive vibration and pinging, but don't downshift unless you can't maintain a safe speed (according to traffic conditions, etc.). You will get better fuel mileage (in GENERAL, of course) and less engine wear. Marion Hakanson hp-pcd!orstcs!hakanson