Hello all,

So I've been reading all the posts on the low level rumble that many attribute to exhaust resonance (i.e. vibration when running between 1500-1900 RPM's.)

I know some posters have said that the rumble with disappear after a couple of months but I've only had the car for a couple of weeks so I can't really say one way or another whether that's the case.

I definitely feel this phenomenon and it bugs me enough that I'll downshift and run in the 2500-3000 rpm range whenever I can.

My question: is this bad for the engine that I do this? Am I somehow reducing the overall life of the engine significantly by running in that RPM range constantly?

Any and all advice is always appreciated.

 

Some would say yes, others will say no….
My personal opinion (not that you know my background in the automotive/engine arena, or whether its worth a crap :-) ) is that the answer is no. 2500/3000 rpm isn’t a big deal for an engine like the 3.2. Sure you will burn more gas, possibly more oil, and may ever-so-slightly decrease engine performance over the “extreme” long run. Using proper oil / change intervals will mitigate most of that. Unless you’re planning on driving the thing in every gear except overdrive ALL the time, I can’t imagine you would have any issues.
I’ve accrued over 3000 miles on my 5AT and though very in-tune with the flat spotting, wouldn’t even have given the “lugging” feel a second thought if it wasn’t for all of the chat on this forum. Yes its there, but (my car anyway) it’s not a factor. (This is not a statement to discredit those who have worse issues regarding the 5AT and lugging in top gear at 55. I’m sure each car may, can, and will be different)

Anyway, this is one minor issue with the 04TL that I would not be overly concerned with. Drive it like you want, use “D” or “6” when road conditions and driving style permits, take care of it, change the oil regularly, and enjoy.


Smitty

 

Driving at 2500-3000 RPM is not high-RPM driving.

This is a non-issue.

 

i have 6MT and 2500-3000 is just about where i keep it. i shift when it just passes 3K when accelerating. at highway cruise speeds i hover at 2000-2500 mark. so i don't see that as high rpm driving. i dunno if this is different on an auto but should be the same.

 

most of the time on a winding road i'll keep it reving bout 4000 rpms. in town i'll keep it round 3000 rpms. Not a problem as far as wear. The way I look at it is that it's a Honda engine, they are rev-happy, how many raced-out 8-10 year old civics with over 200k miles and they are still going. My friend's 94 EX coupe has like 250k and he still drives it hard, no problem. You might be worried with something like a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW or Porsche. My .02!

 

low level rumble? shoot, i just thought that was part of the car's attributes. I LOVE that sound, my passengers love that sound too! makes it sound like the engine is begging to be unleashed, but i have to drive like a granny as i only have 300 miles.