ideal idle

lx5091 · 11-13-2002, 03:19 PM

I heard somewhere....

Something about the ideal idle on a stock efi 5.0 is 800-900. Is this so, or is it somebody's opinion? Has anyone found that to be true. Mine idles at a consistant 750 as far as the factory tach reports. I wonder if I should play with it and find my cars "sweet spot".

PKRWUD · 11-13-2002, 05:16 PM

W/ an automatic tranny, in drive, 670-700rpm is ideal. With a 5 speed, it's about 100-150 rpms higher.

Take care,
~Chris

Kamaro Killer · 11-13-2002, 05:31 PM

the manual would rev higher? I'm not trying to question your response, but to learn something. Thanks, Keith

PKRWUD · 11-13-2002, 08:07 PM

Not "rev" higher, idle higher.

Idle speed is the speed at which the engine rotates when stopped at a light, not the speed it's at in Park. Thus, the proper way to measure the idle speed of an automatic is by putting it in drive. Doing this places a load on the engine, and the speed comes down. If the idle speed was the same for both an auto and a 5 speed, then when you shifted it into park, the idle would go too high.

Take care,
~Chris

Kamaro Killer · 11-13-2002, 08:11 PM

Thanks, I'm sure you know I meant to say idle higher, not rev higher, lol. I didn't really understand why, thanks, Keith

PKRWUD · 11-13-2002, 08:17 PM

I know Keith, you're pretty sharp, actually. I just wanted to be clear for anyone else that might read it.

Take care,
~Chris

11-13-2002, 03:19 PM	#1
lx5091 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Fall River, MA Posts: 467	ideal idle I heard somewhere.... Something about the ideal idle on a stock efi 5.0 is 800-900. Is this so, or is it somebody's opinion? Has anyone found that to be true. Mine idles at a consistant 750 as far as the factory tach reports. I wonder if I should play with it and find my cars "sweet spot". __________________ '02 Explorer XLT 4.0L --Nice Vehicle '97 Saturn SL1--Soon to be ditched for a Ford!

11-13-2002, 05:16 PM	#2
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	W/ an automatic tranny, in drive, 670-700rpm is ideal. With a 5 speed, it's about 100-150 rpms higher. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

11-13-2002, 05:31 PM	#3
Kamaro Killer Mustang Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 528	I'm curious as to why.... the manual would rev higher? I'm not trying to question your response, but to learn something. Thanks, Keith __________________ 1993 GT 5.0-My Stang Rice Hater's Club Member 22

11-13-2002, 08:07 PM	#4
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Not "rev" higher, idle higher. Idle speed is the speed at which the engine rotates when stopped at a light, not the speed it's at in Park. Thus, the proper way to measure the idle speed of an automatic is by putting it in drive. Doing this places a load on the engine, and the speed comes down. If the idle speed was the same for both an auto and a 5 speed, then when you shifted it into park, the idle would go too high. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

11-13-2002, 08:11 PM	#5
Kamaro Killer Mustang Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 528	Oh, I see Thanks, I'm sure you know I meant to say idle higher, not rev higher, lol. I didn't really understand why, thanks, Keith __________________ 1993 GT 5.0-My Stang Rice Hater's Club Member 22 Last edited by Kamaro Killer; 11-13-2002 at 08:28 PM..

11-13-2002, 08:17 PM	#6
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	I know Keith, you're pretty sharp, actually. I just wanted to be clear for anyone else that might read it. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

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