Driving the z I noticed that when going 80mph the rpms are at 3,000. One of my freinds has an 04 max and when I was going 80 the rpm was at 2,700. To make me even more pissed I drove my girls 99 4 cyl altima and I hit 86 mph and just under 3,000 rpm. I am not to sure what this means but I would appreciate if someone can help me understand what the hell is going on?

 

gear ratio

 

same here with my AT.

 

does this mean that the max could have a faster top end though?

 

The max could theoretically reach at higher top speed before redlining.

 

I assume that you are talking about 6th gear. The transmission has gears. The rear end has gears. The result of combining the two is referred to as the final drive ratio. Other vehicles may have higher or lower final drive ratios.

 

so what exactly does this mean for the aspect of the z?

 

Gear Ratio
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
Reverse M/T A/T
3.794 3.540
2.324 2.264
1.624 1.472
1.271 1.000
1.000 0.834
0.794 N/A
3.446 2.370 Final Drive Ratio 3.538 3.357

The lower the number, the higher the gear. The higher the gear, the lower RPMs necessary to maintain a particular speed. Theoretically, the lower the number, the higher the top speed.

 

thanks a mill

 

Why are you pissed? It's not like you could ever top out the gears on a Maxima or 99 4 cyl Altima either. Close gear ratios make it nicer and more fun to drive hard. Have you driven a Ford Focus ZX3? Those things are geared to the moon, and you could sit in 3rd gear at 80 mph at 3000 rpm. It drives really stupid because you wonder if you even have to shift.

 

+1

 

Now you try flooring it at 80mph when cruizing in that Altima and Maxima.

Try that on the Z. Then come back here and tell us if you're still "pissed".

 

80 mph = 3000 rpm for me too

 

80mph = 4200rpm on my CRX. Still pissed?

 

I don't drive a lick over 55mph so I can't chime in here, sorry.

 

I was wondering where that foul smell of B.S. was coming from before I re-clicked on this thread.

 

 

i toped out my maxima in 5th no problem..

 

3.5 Maximas have pretty decent pull at 80 still IMO, no a 4 cylinder Alti is another story.

 

I didnt understand the whole gear ratio thing. now that it was explained to me I understand.