My 02 GLE seems to feel weak to me through 2nd gear, like it looses it pull. In 1st it seems to come alive around 3500/4000 and roar to redline but in second it just kinda moves/makes noise but no real hit. I know all about gearing and I don't expect the same pull in 2nd as I do in 1st but it just seems like it doesn't wake up @ 3500/4000 in second. 3rd gears just starts building speed rapidly! Does/has anybody feel/felt the same way? I am I just being overly sensitive? It just seems to make more noise than motion. Ideas?
thx -- l8tr -- SS

 

The manifold switches to a shorter runner at 3800 RPM, maybe the runner is not switching over on your's in 2nd gear? Get your car dynoed if you really want to know.

 

I would definitely say it is the automatic gearing. Both Emax and I know that the 6spd does great with 2nd. Actually 2nd is where I make my moves. When I hit the highway onramp in 2nd I am ready for business. All I do is drop the hammer and I am GONE! All the 6spd owners should be able to attest to that. My money is on the auto, sorry dood.

 

i agree! its the auto!


will

 

Yeah, when I first got the car I had a hard time controlling the torque on the steering wheel when I punched it in 2nd. No problem now. I still haven't dropped the clutch yet....I'll have to wait for someone to race me off the line.

 

yea..seriously for me 2nd gear is just dropping the hammer..3rd is great too...its just fun when your goinig about 60mph..and slam it into 3rd..all the way to about 80...flying past thoes cars

 

I feel the same way in my '02 SE. 1st is a real kick, then second feels like someone sugared my tank.

The two things I think this car needs more than anything (thicker paint aside for the moment) are 5 forward gears (so the ratio doesn't have to be so wide in 2nd) and automatic locking doors. Lexuses (Lexi?) have 5 gears and I can understand the sacrifice of the extra gear for cost on the Max where they wouldn't worry about cost so much on a Lexus, but jeez, my '98 minvan has automatic door locks!!!

(Apologies if this goes OT)

 

Auto here... to me 1st is the best, then i hit 2nd (chirp w/ 4 ppl on board on a *very* cold day) and i go Whoa! so i thought 2nd was the best... then i hit 3rd and go Double Whoa!! And i think 3rd is the best.

Then i hit 4th and go... ... ... umm... 4th? hello?... oh! I *am* in 4th