I just got back from a trip from MS to GA and the way back (6hrs one way).
I

 

hmmm i was thinking about getting gears but with that impression i dont think i really want to now. im with you and not sure if i could stand listening to the engine scream at near 4.5k for hours

 

I have 4.57's and don't worry about it anymore. I think they are around 500 rpms higher than stock at 70mph. No big deal for me. The "engine screaming" comment above is pure exaggeration.

 

That's quite similar to my Miata...

it does 4k at 75mph... 3k at 55mph

Really wish it had a OD 6th gear...

 

Just think what 4.77s would seem like!!!

I don't personally think the higher revs are of great concern. Afterall, the best mileage seems to come from higher speeds (80+) so that almost matches the RPMs you were turning.

-Hockey

I want either 4.44 or 4.56 eventually

 

You're WAY over paranoid. These motors like to spin. Cruising at 80 with 4.57's puts you at the same RPM as cruising at 89 with stock gearing, certainly not a big deal. It's not screaming, it's purring.

 

Beautiful way to put it.

 

I have had 4.57r gears for about 30k miles and I don't have any concerns about engine abuse. I DO have some issues with the increased noise on long distance trips. Its doesn't "scream" as others have noted but it is definitely louder. The increased engine noise compounds the already irritating gear whine that I get around 50 and 70 mph. Everybody is different, and we all have different "irritation" thresholds when it comes to car noise, but my geared turbo s2k has so many different noises going on at the same time that I am seriously considering using ear plugs on longer trips.


Bad Noises
-------------
Fuel pump whine
Gear whine
Higher cruising RPMs
Wind noise at higher speeds with the top up
Some odd warbling noise from the front left of the engine bay that I can't find for the life of me.
Loose screw that my damn mechanic left in my new convertible top. I can actually hear it roll from side to side whenever I take a corner hard enough. I have no idea how to get it out without damaging the top.

Good noises
---------------
Greddy RS Blow Off valve. Never gets old.
Awesome intake sound when at WOT. Sounds like a dragon sucking in breath before breathing fire.
The relatively subtle and mellow "shriek" of my ultimate racing dual exhaust at WOT.


As you can see, the bad outweighs the good and I find myself occasionally wishing I had a BMW or Lexus or something for trips over 3 hours in the winter. Everything is good though in midsummer with the top down. Nearly all of the bad noises fade away into the background or vanish altogether.

 

I like the pull of my 6th, but it will be nice if i had OD 7th! =D

I agree Parkerdw about taking a quieter and comfy ride for a long trip like this one.

so what kind of speed would your car see for a prolong drive like this? It just wasn't too comfortable to set the cruise at +5k rpm, I guess I'd have to get used to it.

Although, I did manage to get 30 mpg which im happy about.

maybe i am being paranoid
with practically almost everything about this car.

 

Definitely not an issue of abuse, the difference in revs is not that huge, sure gas mileage may suffer slightly as opposed to not having them, but I still do long distance driving at 80.