Safe RPM??

[smoothbus]

I have about 700 miles on my 2003 p5 and wanted to know a few of things..
1st when is it a good time to shift?? 3000-4000 rpm or higher like 4000-5000.
2nd what is the power band on this engine??? rpm?
3rd what is a good crusing speed for long trips?? I have 2 kids and a wife, and also plan to put a cargo top on the roof rack. Can I keep the p5 at 75-80 for a long trip??
I know these questions sound funny but I used to drive a 2000 jeep grand cherokee lim. V8 and I have never owned a car with this small of an engine.
Thanks for your help
Chris

 

[uclap5]

shift where you wanna, if im in a gas saving mood i usually shift around 2.5-3, if i'm in a bit more spirited mood around 5.5 or so

http://www.flyinmiata.com/protege/tech/dyno_runs/FM_P5_baseline.pdf

id say 3.5-6 is where its at, though im a newb when it comes to dyno stuff.

When i go on long trips i keep it at 85 for 3 hrs, so theres no problem if you are cool with 75-80, i get around 29-30 mpg at 85, with air conditioning.

With stuff on the roof rack though, id keep it at whatever feels safe. Be careful in gusty wind conditions with stuff up top.

One note: the shift from 1-2 can be really hard around 6k rpms, i wouldnt shove it, just wait till it slides in. Dont want tons of p5 tranny failure stories popping up.

 

[Sir Nuke]

uclap5 acutally pretty much hit the nail on the head....

the most important thing is when you have EXTRA stuff mounted on top...that will certainly change the speed at which you can drive...and the mileage you will get as well.

I too took a LONG trim last summer and was usually running at 80 to 85 ALL DAY LONG....as in like 12 to 14 hours a day.....got about the same milage as he did....and what was with the A/C and the car loaded with four people and all our STUFF.

the power band pretty much tops out about 5800....after that it dropps off.