redlined for a few seconds
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redlined for a few seconds
i was getting on the highway today, traffic was bad and i was in a hurry. i was in second gear getting on the highway with heavy traffic and had to pull some maneuvers to get in a lane, will i did i was looking over my soulder at the blind spot when i lookd back i noticed my car was in redline and had been there for a couple of seconds before i moved to third, could this potentially be a problem? i drive a 02 ap1 fully stock, thanks , keith
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,491
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From: Pensacola
As long as you don't stay on the redline for more than about 5 seconds or so - don't even think about it.
It's important to understand the redline is a momentary limit, not a max continuous limit. Obviously limit the amount of time you spend there. You should limit your time on the rev-limiter to 1-2 seconds due to the fact you're now cutting into the safety factor the factory has provided (the redline typically provides around a 15% margin - as in things will break at around 10,300-10,400 (retainers crack, possibly bend exhaust valves)) in an AP1 - and the rev-limiter cuts into this safety margin).
This "safety margin" basically provides for longevity - and accidental driver errors. If you cut into the safety margin on a regular basis - you're cutting into the life of the motor.
My car sees the redline several times a day - and occasionally sees the limiter (I try to avoid the limiter though - that's just sloppy driving, but it happens). My latest leak down test at 40k showed less than 1.5% leakdown in all cylinders, with the worst cylinder @ 1.5% and the best @1.25%. Part of this I credit to the break-in procedure and the oil I use. Nevertheless, 40k miles of hard driving hasn't impacted the life of the motor to date. I've also had three mechanical over-revs: ~10,200+, ~9,500, and ~9,400. So even an occasional excursion may not impact the life of the motor. I credit using a low friction synthetic oil (Amsoil) for preventing damage during those over-revs as well.
It's important to understand the redline is a momentary limit, not a max continuous limit. Obviously limit the amount of time you spend there. You should limit your time on the rev-limiter to 1-2 seconds due to the fact you're now cutting into the safety factor the factory has provided (the redline typically provides around a 15% margin - as in things will break at around 10,300-10,400 (retainers crack, possibly bend exhaust valves)) in an AP1 - and the rev-limiter cuts into this safety margin).
This "safety margin" basically provides for longevity - and accidental driver errors. If you cut into the safety margin on a regular basis - you're cutting into the life of the motor.
My car sees the redline several times a day - and occasionally sees the limiter (I try to avoid the limiter though - that's just sloppy driving, but it happens). My latest leak down test at 40k showed less than 1.5% leakdown in all cylinders, with the worst cylinder @ 1.5% and the best @1.25%. Part of this I credit to the break-in procedure and the oil I use. Nevertheless, 40k miles of hard driving hasn't impacted the life of the motor to date. I've also had three mechanical over-revs: ~10,200+, ~9,500, and ~9,400. So even an occasional excursion may not impact the life of the motor. I credit using a low friction synthetic oil (Amsoil) for preventing damage during those over-revs as well.
