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Posted: 10/14/2010 11:50:34 AM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:

Quoted:
The car will go at the same speed as the speedometer unless you physically remove the speedometer from the vehicle.

One could argue that the roof of the car is actually moving faster than the oil pan, given a perfectly flat and level road (since the earth's surface is a sphere).

Not if the road is "perfectly flat and level"

Posted: 10/14/2010 11:50:44 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:

Quoted:
my 2007 1500 silverado got up to 115 on 460 a couple years ago!!!

all of the fuzz was at the Hokie game so I wanted to see how fast I could go...

What kind of programmer do you have on it?

This.

Factory GM trucks cut out at 96 MPH. I have a custom PCM tune to remove the setting, but I've never gotten over 90 or so anyways.

Posted: 10/14/2010 11:52:21 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
My Civic's speedo goes to 150. That might be a tad... optimisitic.

I owned a Porsche 911 with a speedo that only went to 85.

Don't be too sure. The weekend after I bought my 02 Civic Coupe I wanted to see if it would. I made it to 130 or so before my wife freaked out. That was in 5th at around 5500 on the tac, rev limiter didn't kick in until 7500 or so in the other gears. I never did try it again.

Posted: 10/14/2010 11:58:18 AM EDT

[#4]

I'm going to guess not, but there is only one good way to find out.....

Posted: 10/14/2010 11:58:34 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
Will my car go as fast as the speedometer says it can can? I have a 1999 Jag XJ8 and the speedometer goes to 170 pmh. Can this car really go even close to that?

That's car has a top speed just short of 140...

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:00:09 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Will my car go as fast as the speedometer says it can can? I have a 1999 Jag XJ8 and the speedometer goes to 170 pmh. Can this car really go even close to that?

How old are you

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:01:01 PM EDT

[#7]

My car shows max of 140, but top speed is about 145.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:01:21 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:

Quoted:
My BMW goes to 155. Both on the speedo and the actual speed.

Verified by GPS.

Your BMW may well go faster. They limit them to 155.

Delimited mine will do over 180.

This is generally the case with most cars built in the last 20 years or so. Pretty much any vehicle equipped with a computer and VSS (vehicle speed sensor) will be top-speed limited from the factory.
Case in point... my 1987 Buick Gran National was equipped with a top speed limiter in the factory ECM programming. (I don't recall exactly what it was).

Also... my 2003 Chevy 2500HD was limited to 98-100mph... (proven by actual experience) that is until I reprogrammed the PCM and removed the top-speed limiter. (Thanks Diablo Sport)

Last time I was screwing around on the turnpike, it topped out around 122. (GPS confirmed)
Wind resistance became a BIG factor at that speed.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:03:25 PM EDT

[#9]

120 mph in a Grand Marquis?

Probably not going to happen.

Dial spedos seem to be designed for aesthetic appeal as much as practicality. In the aforementioned land yacht, for example, the needle is straight up at 60 mph, with 0 and 120 being at approximately 120 degree angles to either side. The speedo scale has an eye-pleasing symmetry - but you're almost never going to have the needle very far to the right.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:05:15 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
The car will go at the same speed as the speedometer unless you physically remove the speedometer from the vehicle.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:11:08 PM EDT

[#11]

My 1971 GTO had a 140mph speedo, it needed to register at least 150, 160 might not have been too much for that thing (what's the statute of limitations on speeding?)

Instead of wondering about this, I investigated -
My wife's 2004 minivan has a 120mph one (IIRC) but even coming down Loveland Pass I haven't been able to get it above 100.
My Corolla is the same way.

Seems to me that Chrysler, Chevy, Pontiac, and Toyota just throw whatever they have laying around into their cars. Beretta with a speed limiter at 115 still had a 140mpg speedometer. Why? They made sure the car couldn't go that fast, so why not just put a 120 in it??

Side note - In the late 1980's, I'd never heard of speed limiters (off the track) so when my father's car suddenly lost all power, I about soiled myself. "Hi Dad... Yeah, I borrowed your car while you were gone and destroyed the engine. How was your trip?" The relief I felt when power came back and I figured out what had happened gave me a case of the shakes and I drove at or under the speed limit all the way back to their house.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:11:45 PM EDT

[#12]

My Lightning shows 145mph on the gauge...and I can assure you it will do it. sadly I couldnt break out the GPS and see how much faster it really was going.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:14:28 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

My Jeep Cherokee Speedometer only went to 85. I had the needle past that a few times when I was young and stupid.

former 91 cherokee owner here. i was young and dumb too when i had mine. One night i took the old Jeep out on the parkway and just held the gas to the floor board for about 20 miles, went way past the 85 mark on the speedometer. best i could figure i was doing was about 100mph or somewhere in there. I look back on that sometimes and the other shit that i done and surprised i aint dead or crippled.

right now i drive a 2001 S-10 pickup, speedometer goes to 100 but sure as hell cant get past 90 in it the one time i did try it.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:15:02 PM EDT

[#14]

In 97 while I was stationed in Germany I had a 76 Accord That would bury the needle almost strait down where the maintenence interval indicators were. That speedo went to 230 KpH. It took a while to get the car going that fast. I miss the Autobhan.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:15:32 PM EDT

[#15]

My car's spedo tops off at 120. The fastest I've ever driven was 85 (in a 75). I typically drive 5 over.

Yes, I am a boring, safe, uninteresting person.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:16:35 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
Does anyone remember the "good old days" of speedometers that only went to 85?

I know for a fact that a 1986 IROC will go over 85 indicated.
I also know that a 198? Oldsmobile Delta 88 sedan will go over 85 indicated.
I further know 1987 Cadillac Eldorado will go over 85 indicated, and the digital speedomotor begins to blink.
Interestingly enough, I also know that a 1984 Cadillac Fleetwood sedan will also go over 85 indicated.
I'm also pretty sure that GMC and Chevy Suburbans of that era (we had a few) will also exceed 85 indicated.

Noticing a theme, here?

The late 1970's and early 1980' were dark days for motor heads:

Example:

1984 Dodge Aries K, could barely reach 85 mph.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:20:02 PM EDT

[#17]

Nope.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:23:21 PM EDT

[#18]

Not sure about the Jag.

I've had the Viper to around 152 on the track. The ACR has a lower top-speed than the standard coupe because of the aero pieces, but I think I'm good to around 182.

Went 145 in a 1990 RX-7 Turbo-II once. THAT was a scary ride, let me tell ya.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:24:36 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Does anyone remember the "good old days" of speedometers that only went to 85?

I know for a fact that a 1986 IROC will go over 85 indicated.
I also know that a 198? Oldsmobile Delta 88 sedan will go over 85 indicated.
I further know 1987 Cadillac Eldorado will go over 85 indicated, and the digital speedomotor begins to blink.
Interestingly enough, I also know that a 1984 Cadillac Fleetwood sedan will also go over 85 indicated.
I'm also pretty sure that GMC and Chevy Suburbans of that era (we had a few) will also exceed 85 indicated.

Noticing a theme, here?

The late 1970's and early 1980' were dark days for motor heads:

Example:

1984 Dodge Aries K, could barely reach 85 mph.

That was one of the first swaps that early Fox body Mustang ownes would do; swap the 80mph speedo out for the 120mph one from a newer car.

The 85mph mandated speedometer limit was another fine creation of Jimmy Carter IIRC.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:26:32 PM EDT

[#20]

here's a way you can find out:

http://www.4lo.com/calc/gearratio.htm

input all the data except for mph and engine rpm. Then put in the max safe rpm your car's engine is capable of turning without blowing up. Then hit calculate.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:31:58 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:

Quoted:
All cars unless you mod it to not have one have a govenor. Like my lexus is300 stock goes 142 in my turbo IS i have been 160 and it will go higher.

Bzzzt sorry not Vettes.

The governor on Vettes is aerodynamics vs HP

My 89 vette has been up to 100. It gets too flaky for me after that.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:32:56 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Will my car go as fast as the speedometer does? I have a 1999 Jag XJ* and the speedometer goes to 170 pmh. Can this car really go even close to that?

pmh? pre menstruals an hour?

Typo, forgive me. I'm sitting in a room with 64 inmate. 5 whom are here for murder 2 for capital murder charges. I have to keep one eye on them.

So why aren't you? Oh, .gov job - never mind............

Jus' sayin'

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:38:45 PM EDT

[#23]

Had an 85 Ford Bronco II. Speedometer went to 90. I had the needle past that and firmly planted against the miles reset tab that kept it from going any further.

My current truck goes to 120. Haven't tried more then 100 yet.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:48:32 PM EDT

[#24]

IDK, had a crown vic that speedometer topped out at 90, I was doing at least 115

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:50:42 PM EDT

[#25]

In my 1986 olds, the speedometer only went to 85 and i know It would go faster, because there were a few times I buried the needle and it was still accelerating.

My 1997 Toyota Carolla Speedometer went to 110 and i maxed it out while driving in the middle of freaking nowere NE New Mexico.

I don't remember what the speedometer on my 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee went to but it was over 100. But I don't think I ever tried to see how fast i could get it.

My 2004 honda pilot speedometer goes to 140 and i've only ever had it a shade above 100mph. Don't know if it could make it to 140, but honestly I don't want to try.

but in response to the OP, I doubt it will hit 170.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:53:50 PM EDT

[#26]

My 2011 M3 speedometer tops out at 200 mph. But it's electronically limited to 155 mph. But even with the electronic limiter removed there is no way it wll go past 175 mph.

Posted: 10/14/2010 12:53:58 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:
No way. For some reason there are a lot of non-gearheads women and effeminate men that believe that whatever the maximum is on the speedo, is what their vehicle will do.

Fixed it for ya.

Anyone who knows even the basics of cars know the speedometers are not "top speed" indicators.

Posted: 10/14/2010 1:09:19 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
My Jaguar says 160.

Never tried to go past 120 yet.

Well my little baby Jag says 250km/h (155mph) but I haven't been beyond 220km/h (136mph), It is not rated to do more than 145mph, but it might be possible with the right conditions.

The Little Mx5 Roadster (miata) satates 180kmh (112mph), and that I have exceeded, I have a GPS speed of 192kmh (119) from it, but that is all it will give in current (factory standard) form, with the roof up. Not too bad for a 20 year old 1.6L car

Posted: 10/14/2010 1:39:13 PM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Will my car go as fast as the speedometer says it can can? I have a 1999 Jag XJ8 and the speedometer goes to 170 pmh. Can this car really go even close to that?

How old are you

Be 50 next summer young man. Like I said earlier. I'm in a cell right now with 55 inmates. 5 are here for murder, 2 for capital murder.. I guess a typo so I can watch them is ok with me.

Why so concerned with my age? Did someone light the fuse to your tampon? ETA:j/k

Posted: 10/14/2010 1:55:36 PM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:

Quoted:
My Civic's speedo goes to 150. That might be a tad... optimisitic.

I owned a Porsche 911 with a speedo that only went to 85.

Don't be too sure. The weekend after I bought my 02 Civic Coupe I wanted to see if it would. I made it to 130 or so before my wife freaked out. That was in 5th at around 5500 on the tac, rev limiter didn't kick in until 7500 or so in the other gears. I never did try it again.

My car is an '02 Civic EX 2 door. Sorry, but with only 115HP it is never going to see 150.

Posted: 10/14/2010 1:58:13 PM EDT

[#31]

Years ago a Alfa Romeo collector told me that all are designed to match the speedo max speed.... He said it was a test to make sure their car is up to spec...

No idea if that was true...

Posted: 10/14/2010 2:04:13 PM EDT

[#32]

All modern cars with a ECM in it has a speed limit programmed into it. My F-150 topped out at 90 mph. I bought a tuner and erased the limit and it will easily go 120mph.

Posted: 10/14/2010 2:08:35 PM EDT

[#33]

my 02 subaru wrx had a 140mph speedo, and Car and driver listed the top speed as 142. not bad.
my 09 honda fit has a 140 mph speedo

. no way would I take it over 100 without a helmet.

Posted: 10/14/2010 2:09:36 PM EDT

[#34]

My former car, 1996 200SX-SE 1.6L 5sp, would wrap the speedometer far past indicated 120mph.

The rev limiter kicked in just under the 6800 rpm redline.

I have no idea how fast that was. It took a lot of road to get to 6700+rpm.

There are only a few places in the state long/safe enough to wring out a car and I haven't been back.

Past 100 mph I would trust any OEM speedometer to be accurate.

My current car barely has enough oats to get out of it's own way. I've only taken it to 90mph. After that I don't trust it.

Posted: 10/14/2010 2:10:14 PM EDT

[#35]

Truck's speedo goes to 120, will actually do 129 (factory speed limiter) but the tires I have are only rated for 112. Programmer will raise it to 139 IIRC though I would never want to see my truck at that speed.

In Virginia anything over 80mph is an instant reckless driving charge so I make sure to keep it well under that.

Posted: 10/14/2010 3:28:39 PM EDT

[#36]

My 87 4runner's spedo goes to 120mph. I took it to 100 once.... ONCE. That was a scary few minutes.

Posted: 10/14/2010 3:37:32 PM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
My wife's Odyssey has 140 on the speedo.

It's optimistic, of course, but it does make me feel as though my attempt to reach 140 would be accurately documented at the point of failure.

Honda Odyssey's are gov. at 119. They still ride smooth at that speed too.

Posted: 10/14/2010 3:41:42 PM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Will my car go as fast as the speedometer says it can can? I have a 1999 Jag XJ8 and the speedometer goes to 170 pmh. Can this car really go even close to that?

How old are you

Be 50 next summer young man. Like I said earlier. I'm in a cell right now with 55 inmates. 5 are here for murder, 2 for capital murder.. I guess a typo so I can watch them is ok with me.

Why so concerned with my age? Did someone light the fuse to your tampon? ETA:j/k

Easy old man , dont get your BP up , it just sounded like something asked by a wide-eyed little boy as he looks at a nice car's speedo for the first time , thats all

And where did the response of your cell-mates come from ?

Posted: 10/14/2010 3:55:20 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
The first vehicle I ever bought was a 52 CJ3A with a Buick V6 and a Warn overdrive. The not-stock speedo went to 160! I don't know how fast it would go but 65 was scarey enough for me!

Mine was a 70 cj-5 with the same motor and overdrive! 4:88 gears.... I offroaded the shit out of that thing. Then I broke the warn overdrive unit. Then I was stuck with going 50 mph.

Posted: 10/14/2010 4:02:01 PM EDT

[#40]

my Ram spedo says 120, at about 108 it tops out, and gets a lil' shaky....

Posted: 10/14/2010 4:15:07 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:
My wife's Odyssey has 140 on the speedo.

It's optimistic, of course, but it does make me feel as though my attempt to reach 140 would be accurately documented at the point of failure.

I did an average speed of 90 from Orlando to Atlanta last Thanksgiving in an Ody. The highway was empty until I hit Macon, GA. I got close to 110 a few times but didn't have enough room to get there safely.

Posted: 10/14/2010 4:19:02 PM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:

Quoted:
The car will go at the same speed as the speedometer unless you physically remove the speedometer from the vehicle.

One could argue that the roof of the car is actually moving faster than the oil pan, given a perfectly flat and level road (since the earth's surface is a sphere).

Nice...

Posted: 10/14/2010 4:28:47 PM EDT

[#43]

My '99 P71 says 140 on the speedo.

It will barely do 125 with the original 215hp 4.6 and 3.55 gears.

However, I'm trying to save up the cash to build a supercharged 5.4 and a 5-speed manual trans for it.

Posted: 10/14/2010 5:47:29 PM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:
All cars unless you mod it to not have one have a govenor. Like my lexus is300 stock goes 142 in my turbo IS i have been 160 and it will go higher.

My '03 WRX is drag limited to around 145. The odd thing is that I think they did put a limiter on the wagon version. I am guessing it was less stable at speed due to aerodynamics?

Posted: 10/14/2010 8:26:39 PM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:
The first car I drove was a Ford Probe 4-cyl, 1986 I think.... The speedo went to 115. If you got it up to 105 or so, the transmission light would go on.

(I almost never jacked around in cars like that really, but I did do a straight-line speed test once)
~

pretty amazing since they didn't come out until 1989

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Probe

Posted: 10/14/2010 8:32:18 PM EDT

[#46]

I can remember getting into it with a high school friend because he claimed that his Nissan Pulsar (with a speedo that read 140mph?) would do that speed. While my pos Omni Glh-T, with a speedo that went to 85mph would lose severely. He was way wrong and got smoked bad with many witnesses.