I have a 1996 monte carlo with 147,000 miles. What is the normal rpm when driving at 45 mph around town. and normal rpms for 70-80 mph on interstate? my car seems to run between 2-2700 rpm, is that normal?

 

Moved this thread to a more appropriate section.

 

Assuming you have the 3.1 i believe thats around normal or maybe a little high. My 97 would do i believe about 2400rpm at 70.

 

Thank you. It just seemed high. This is my first monte carlo so i don't know what the norm is. Car runs great.

 

My stock eng trans did 2100@ 65

 

Got a 3.4 and at 70 it's cursing exactly @ 2000rpm. A good maintained motor should run at lower Rpms overall than a less maintained one

 

Sounds to me like your transmission isn't shifting into overdrive. Go get in your car, get it up to 55 mph on the highway, and pull your gearshifter back into "D" or "3", while holding the car at 55 mph. If it doesn't kick down a gear, if it just stays the same, you'll know it's not going into overdrive. It should run about 1200 to 1500 RPMs at 55 mph, and 2000 to 2300 RPMs at 70mph by the way. Overdrive going out on these transmissions is pretty common, and you might drive it for 5 years with three speeds and it run perfect. It just runs at a little higher RPMs on the highway and that, in turn, will make it harder on the motor and gas mileage. If you do that little test and your transmission don't have overdrive, I'd just keep driving it while you look for a replacement transmission. You should be able to find a decent priced used tranny at a used auto parts place. Wrecked 3.1/3.4 cars are getting to be a dime a dozen these days.