I am a proud new owner of a black on black 2000 SE and I know nothing about Nissans. First question is, I can't tell that I have a lock up torque converter or if I do if it is working. I am taching 2300 at 70 mph with the factory 16" wheels. Is that normal, seems a little high for a former GM owner. I like the fact that I'm getting and average of 24mpg city with 20% highway driving.

 

That's completely normal.

 

everything you have noticed sounds par for the course...

 

Wow, I confess that I don't really pay that much attention to my tach most of the time, but that actually sounds low to me. I think mine runs a couple hundred revs higher. Maybe I have to get mine looked at. But mine is a 3.5L, so Nissan probably reworked the ratios. But I would think they'd go with taller gears.

Anyway, I understand where you are coming from. My girlfriend drives a GM and her 3.8L V-6 loafs along at something like 1800rpm at 80mph. The only reason I know that is because I always stare at that tach with amazement. That's like something I'd expect a V-8 or diesel to do.

BTW, welcome to the family.

 

Oh, and as far as I know, your converter does lock up. Again, not sure about the 2000, but mine does. I can tell when the converter unlocks when I'm on the highway and coasting to a stop, the rpms take a major drop when the speed goes below 50mph.