E-Fans

[TTMX911]

Maybe I'm speaking motorcycle when I approach the gearing subject and thats why things might not make sense. Everyone has a different way of explaining things. We'll see if we can clear this up. You would be correct I do use 4th when cruising. I've upped my shift firmness in all gears so I can usually feel them, but when I'm passing I'm guessing I don't feel the down shift to 3rd and then when I'm hitting around 80 mph WOT I feel it shift good and firm to 4th. Long shot......As far as gearing/tires goes I'm seeing what your seeing 50-57 MPH=18+MPG
60-70 MPH=17-17.6 AVMPG
75-80 MPH=18-20 MPG 4th Gear TC Locked out
Irritating isn't it?? My RPMs at Hwy speed 60-70 MPH 33" tires is between 1800-1950. With stock tires RPMs at Hwy speeds were between 1900-2150 if I remember right. It did help a little, but not significantly enough to be worth the money if your tires are still good. Mine were brand new!! and the tire shop only gave me like $40/tire for them b/c they don't sell General Tires!!

Jack: We're saying the same thing.......just differently.
Lower Axle Ratio/Bigger tires= Taller Final Drive Ratio= Longer pull in each gear/less RPM
Higher Axle Ratio/Smaller Tires= Lower Final Drive Ratio= Faster Revs/Goes through gears faster
I don't know about going to a Lower Drive Gear Ratio......I don't think the ROI would be worth it. Honestly I value your opinion and appreciate the input, but I think I'm over thinking this Very interesting concept indeed!
But if anyone wants some first hand experience or has any thoughts on the e-fan setup let me know.

[Jackpine]

Yes! DO put the gear PID into your display! Some of what you posted doesn't make sense to me. You should NOT see 4th gear during a passing maneuver! I would expect the transmission to drop probably into 2nd, but at least into 3rd when you are passing at WOT. You'll only see 4th when the load on the powertrain is low, at "cruise", probably above 45-50 mph, depending on how you have things set up.

The low gears and bigger tires MAY keep you in 3rd up to, say 55, but I would not expect it to be much more than that. A lower axle ratio is going to put more load on the powertrain and that will keep you in 3rd gear longer. You INCREASE your axle ratio, or mount smaller tires if you want to get into 4th gear sooner.

- Jack

[Longshot270]

Hey Jack, if he is passing someone at maybe 50-75% APP then he is feeling the 4th gear shift at 80. Otherwise it will be running in 3rd at WOT for the 80s. Sometimes the third or fourth gear shift is so smooth you dont feel it but you do feel the torque converter locking.