I have a manual 98 civic ex with 86k miles. I do a lot of highway driving. The car hits 3000 rpm at about 68-69 mph. It hits 3500 at about 78 mph. Is this normal?

Other cars I have been in with small 4cyl engines never rev that high. A friend has a 95 civic Auto trans and his revs are a bit lower for given speeds. I want to be able to do 80 without wearing out my engine and having it be noisy. (I know the 2001+ civics have lower revs at the high speeds) When I hit 3500 rpm on the road I feel like I am destroying my car mile by mile. I dont beat up my car, shifts at 3000 and only go over 3000 on the highway in 5th. any suggestions/advice?

 

Auto trannys have a lot longer gearing.

3500 @ 78 mph is normal, and that's nothing. When I had my LS with B16 tranny I was at 4500 rpm at 80 mph...

 

He's exactly right. Automatic transmissions (which for quite a long time were typically 4-speed, but as of recent we see a lot more 5 speed), are geared noticably longer. This allows for better gas milage, improved drivability, etc. Keep in mind you're driving a Honda, too. At first I was a little hesitant, but before long I found that these things love to rev, and handle it with no problem.