Hey scotty, what is the correct engine RPM? You mentioned keeping engine RPM low to avoid engine wear in some of your videos, but doesn't that also cause the engine to lug especially if you're in a high gear. I drive a manual boxer engine (toyota gt86) and I have heard people mention that atleast 3k is the right RPM to be driving the car, but some people also say that it should be below 2k rpm to get best gas mileage.
What's the best balance RPM for lowering engine wear and not overworking it but also getting good gas mileage?
It depends on where and how you drive and at what speed.
The lower rpm results in less stress on the engine and better mpg.
It varies, but the lower the rpm the better it would be, as long as you are not lugging.
I agree with @geriscan, it really does depend on what you are trying to do. And your car, as every car has a different sweet spot it like to be at so it's not an exact science. If it be lugging and chugging that's too low for your higher gear. The celica I drove happily runs at any point past 2k rpm but if I try and shift at 1500 it won't have it.
I normally drive between 2000 and 3000 rpm with a petrol engine and 1000 and 2000 rpm with a diesel engine.
Normally, yes, you would drive lower RPM's for better efficiency and wear.
However, the GT86/BRZ/FRS is a bit of an exception. The FA20 is a small, lightweight, naturally aspirated motor that is designed for extended time high in the rev range, and pairs perfectly with the manual transmission. It is famous for a torque dip (paradoxical decrease in torque) between 3000 and 5000 rpm. Below that, it is kind of a dog, but above that it veritably sings. The 5-6K range is where that engine is at its best, and you can run it there quite a while (and love every minute of it). In general, that car is intended to be run near its limit and is quite safe to do so (both for the engine wear and handling).
The GT86/BRZ/FRS is a lot like the old Honda S2000 in loving its revs (except the S2000 had no torque dip and an even higher redline). Sure, I would keep the rpm's below 3000 after a cold start and when just toodling in traffic. But once it's warm, I would not hesitate to wring 'er out. Get it up over 5K from time to time, blow out all the gunk, and let it do what it was built to do. As long as you keep good oil in it, and aren't redlining it all the time or racing it from a cold start, you won't hurt it. (and, BTW, because it doesn't have a lot of power, you won't be putting a lot of stress on the transmission, either).
