Hey guys, I was wondering if it's normal that when cruising at around 110-120KM/H (~75MPH) and then stepping on the gas pedal to the max, the car seems sluggish and doesn't seem to accelerate as much?

In other words, I can feel the acceleration especially (and obviously) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear but in 5th gear, even a Cavalier is able to keep up with me. At over 110-120KM/H, the car stays at 5th gear and RPM is no more than 5K last I remember...

Guys I'm not trying to race or anything, just making sure my car's running normal.

My car is a stock 2003 G35 Sedan 5AT, my air filter's fine.

Scorcher

 

Usally 5th gear is setup as an overdrive gear, it's geared high to save gas. At 75mph your car should shift into 4th gear when you step on the accelerator.

 

If you floor it at 75mph, the car should actually drop to 3rd and take off, the only delay being the time it takes for the automatic tranny to downshift.

 

^ what he said. It should downshift to 3rd when u floor it. If it doesnt somethings wrong with ur car.

 

How about if I hit the pedal while CRUISING at around 90 MPH? Will it stay at 5th or downshift at 4th (or 3rd?) I know for a fact mines doesn't because I was trying to pass a Cavalier on the highway and when I stepped on the pedal to the max during the aforementionned speeds, I am still at 5th gear...it was like 90...90.1...90.2...90.3...90.4...90.5...c'mon go go...c'mon hurry up **** it! Obviously the young driver of the cavalier also accelerated to try to keep up and had no trouble in doing so so I simply gave up when I reached 100MPH, slowed down and stayed behind him for most part of the trip...bummer

My transmission has been flushed last month...regular maintenance every 5000 km.

This problem (or not) only occurs during high speed acceleration. Acceleration at 1st thru 4th is super duper.

I've read in another thread that our cars isn't geared towards the high end...maybe that is my answer.

My car as over 92000KM by the way...

Scorcher
'03 Sedan, 5AT

 

I recommend flipping over to MM. It was auto downshift to 4th.

 

Okay I'll try that! Thanks.

 

If your car is struggling to go from 90 to 100, I think there's something wrong. Cavalier's aren't exactly known for high speed acceleration, if you know what I mean. So, if you can't even pass him, then something is not right. Don't know what it is, but your car doesn't sound well. I would take it to a dealer.

 

If you want to get acceleration, you have to gear down. At 60 mph, drop down to 3rd. At 90, go for 4th, but you have to do something - the G transmission is very slow to respond to a good jump on the fun pedal. You need to help a bit.

 

According to what you are saying, since the G's transmission is slow to response, I shouldn't be putting my transmission into "D" mode for quick acceleration but instead shift from "D" to manumatic 3rd or 4th gear depending on my speed...?

Would grounding wires make a difference? I find it awkward that I should be doing that for a premium sports sedan...

Scorcher

 

Well, like I said, I never use "D", so I can't add much info there. I like to be involved in everything the car does. People who use "D" would be better sources for behaviour related to that mode and how much the grounding wire would help.

 

Power in 5th gear at low rpms is well, low. You need to move at least to
4th. Get your rpms above 4k and you will pass most cars easily (let alone a Cavalier).

I agree that it sounds like you are stuck in 5th gear. You may benefit from grounding wires because of quicker shifts. Or just use MM mode. You may also benefit from the latest tranny software update for your 03 sedan. If you are unaware of this, there are a couple of in depth threads on this site about it.

 

Thanks alot for the info...I am checking the threads about the latest tranny upgrade right now...

Keep y'all posted!

Scorcher