I live in a mostly urban area. I'd have to drive pretty far to get away from lots of traffic. So for my short trips about in my 328, I'm faced with 25, 30, and 35 MPH limits with lots of traffic (always hoping for 'pole position' at a light!). So MOST of my driving fun is 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for 2.1 seconds to the speed limit! But other times, I like to do a slow windup in first to 5.5 or 6K, then a buttery shift to second at 'rev-match' speed and another long slow windup - 5.5 to 6K to 3rd, which is then pretty much 'drive'. My question is this: do 1st and 2nd gears care any less or any more about being held at 5-6k (or a bit higher) during those 'drawn out' slow ramp ups? Obviously 4th and 5th live their lives in that range (on the rare chance I get to see those revs in those gears!). I just want to make sure I'm not going to do damage to those two gears or their syncros by holding at 5-6k in 2nd for a block, coming up to the next light. Sure sounds cool anyway! Thanks for reading my Dumb 328 Gear Question of the Day Jedi
No damage to the gears by doing that, much less the synchros. The synchros are only used to engage gears, so smooth and slow shifting is good for them. As for the RPM's, it's kind of middle ground. 6k is a little high to hold it there, but much better than bogging around at 2k with low oil pressure and high load.
