Having been caught in the flash of a photo radar more than once I can say that the flash is so brief (even at night) that it does not cause any problems whatsoever. Hate photo radar. It is just a legal way to rip the drivers off.

I drive according to my tach. There was a long thread last year about the most economical cruising speed and from that it appears that the best speed is around 1900 rpm. Our trucks have a 'sweet spot' around 2200 rpm. So I drive somewhere between 1900 and 2200 rpm. However if I am in a hurry I often cruise at 2500-2600 rpm but notice a drop in fuel consumption above about 2400 rpm.

 

I love photo radar its illegal in NY all cameras can be used for is traffic lights something about being able to confront your accuser the camera never shows up to court. I normally cruise at 75 if I'm on the interstate for only 1-2 hundred miles if I'm going 5-6 hundred miles its generally about 85 and in VA my first home state on I81 nobody is slower than 80 often I'll follow cops at 85 or better its pretty fun following them because they clean all the traffic out of your way herd mentality I guess

 

Like pop-pop, I'm a good citizen, too. 60 in the 55 zone, and 70 in the 65 zone. At 70, rpm's are about 1850 with the 3.73 rear.

Doug

 

75-79 MPH on the I.states.

2004.5, 3.73, 6-speed, stock tires, 2020 RPM at an indicated 75 MPH.

 

I generally cruise 75-80mph on the interstate and I'm usually running about 2200-2250 rpm. I've also done ~3 hour stints at 90 mph without any ill effect other than the fuel milage going to hell.

 

Max is about 70 mph.4.10 gears.

 

You guys make me feel old. I set my cruise at the posted speed limit, in Texas that is 70 on Interstate. I spent about 12 hours today driving from south Texas to east Texas and saw several drivers having discussions with the DPS. Most people pass me but I don't worry about getting tickets. I have to pay for 6 more years of college and 3 weddings so I can't afford tickets.

 

The NC troopers convinced me that speeding did not pay. In the 60's and 70's I lost my license twice just for speeding. I got 2 tickets in 1 year 15 mph. over the speed limit, they took them for 30 days the first time and 60 days the second time. That was just part of it. The higher insurance for 3 years after really hurt more. That experence has stuck with me so when I get on the road I remember that and usualy only drive 5 over the limit. I can relax and don't have to worry about the troopers.

 

I drive slow according to my wife.....generally either right at the speed limit or about 5 over if I'm in a hurry.

 

WA4SLC I can relate to that story. Around 1973 I got 3 speeding tickets in 3 months and they threatened to take my license if I got anymore. I remember one ticket was for doing 90 in a 40 - a little street racing going on. The insurance company doubled my insurance and also threatened to cancel if there were any more tickets. That made a real impression on me and since then I have stayed close to the speed limit.

 

PHOTO SPEED DETECTER STORY SAID TO BE TRUE FROM www.snopes.com
I heard a news report on Chicago radio that a guy in California got a speeding ticket that was sent to him via the mail. It was one of those new "camera" set-ups that got him, where a camera is positioned along the highway, sans officer. The camera took the picture of his speeding car & tag number. A letter was generated by a computer & sent to him with the PHOTOGRAPH of his car speeding and the date & time of the offense. The letter went on to state that he had to send in a fine of $40. The story went that the guy was so mad that he sent back the letter with a PHOTOGRAPH of two (2) $20 bills. A week later he got a letter back from the police. He opened up the letter and inside was a PHOTOGRAPH of a pair of handcuffs!

 

As to photo radar tickets, if you ever get one in Arizona mailed to you, do not respond. They MUST serve you in person. The city of Scottsdale is going broke from process server fees (figuratively) once this knowledge became widespread.

As to multiple tickets, about 15 years ago, I picked up 2 speeding tickets in 20 minutes. One for 84 in a 65 on I-8, and one for 76 on the same interstate. You should have seen the second patrolman laugh when I protested that I had just received on up the road. His comment was, "If you don't slow down this time, you'll get another one before the hour is out. You should learn your lesson!" My girlfriend (now my wife) who was in the car with me, was convinced I was an idiot. Many years later, she know this impression was spot on.

 

Wow I got TWO in ONE day years ago also.Went and got my hair cut,the gal that cut it followed me to my car.Asked me to GO OUT.We went to FLORIDA in her PORSCHE with ME driving and I got popped in SOUTH GEORGIA TWICE in the same afternoon doing 90 in 55! But I tell you it was one heck of a LONG weekend.Wore the motel balconey OUT! Dam those were the DAYS!And I DID NOT MARRY THAT ONE!

 

Okay, here's something I've been wondering for years.

80 mph!

Have there ever been studies regarding what effect sustained speeds that high have on engines?

I know that here in Colorado, when I'm doing 75 on the interstate, and then get passed like I'm standing still, I always think, "Boy, I wouldn't want that vehicle when its put up for sale."

Anybody have any opinions on high speeds and the effect they might have on the Cummins engine. Lead to problems? Wear it out sooner? Ruin it? Or, no effect and it doesn't matter?

I would really be interested in some opinions.

 

I run 5 over to keep from getting hassled by "The Man" have never even had one look at me close except to check for my seat belt I suppose. Haven't got a speeding ticket in about 5 years, last one I was breaking my personal rule and running ten over on Memorial Day weekend and got nailed in western NE