I just bought a 94' Accord Wagon and we really love this car, it's in just about perfect condition. The only gripe I have is the 4-speed automatic does not give me a good cruising (65-75 mph) rpm. In 4th gear, my rpms are between 3000 and 3400 which seems too high, giving me about 27 mpg which I think is too low for a 4 cylinder non vtec. My Eagle Vision is a v6 and gets better gas mileage on the highway than the Accord does. The Eagle cruises at about 2200 rpm at around 75 mph and this gives me almost 30 miles to the gallon.
Okay so I was thinking about changing the final gear to get the rpm's down, although most of the aftermarket final gear sets that I've seen raise the gear ratio for more torque, but I want to go the other way. Can I achieve what I want here? Is their a better way? Is there a different transmision that would work, or maybe a final gear swap? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Have you considered simply swapping the transmission?

 

Anyone out there with an automatic, similar Accord, that can chime in with their RPM at 65-75mph?

If yorster's is too high, maybe the torque converter clutch isn't locking up? Engine too cold, trans problem, etc?

 

thats about normal and plus its a 15 years old car...i drive a 94 acc sedan 5spd and i cruise about 3000rpm on 70mph. all hondas are high rev cars.

 

96 accord 70mph = 3000rpm on the dot. and its an auto.

--Aaron

 

Thanks for the replies. It seems my rpm's are typical for my Accord. After further research I've decided that changing my final gear would not be cost effective. I guess I'll just have to live with 27 mpg on the highway. Still not too bad!

 

you could always go to a taller tire. you would lose acceleration and handling but gain more ride comfort and mpg.