I'm running 4k RPM's @ 80 MPH in my 97 Lude. Is this normal??

 

yeah thats pretty much exactly what I get in my 01 which is the same pretty much, ive heard the 00 and 01 have like 5 more hp than the 97-99, but ive noticed that 5th gear tends to be a 1:2 krpm:mph ratio, like at 3krpm I'm usually doin 60, 3.5k:70mph, etc

 

Yep this is very normal. Now if you want a lower RPM at 80MPH on your lude you can get a F-series Tranny with taller gears and that will go down...but thats up to you... :D

 

Anyone know if the 5th gear is interchangeable between the F tranny and the H tranny? I would like to lower my RPM at hwy speeds. I know that my MPG drops about 2mpg every 5 mph over 70 I go, and I'm always going 70+, more like 80 actually. I get about 25mpg at 80. I've seen as high as 28.5, driving closer to the 65 limit here in WI, which is nearly impossible.

A lot of 3 hour trips in this car......

 

yes.