Redline in 1st gear

[jbmitt]

Okay, so I'm driving my 2000 Mazda Protege today, and my friends and I (we're highschoolers) were out pulling some pranks and doing some quick getaways without headlights. On one occasion, they jumped in and we took off up a hill, but without lights I didn't see my tach, and the engine revved really high but I'm not sure if it was redline or not. After that split second I gave it second and everything was ok. Now my concern is whether or not I did any serious/permanent damage to the car. I don't think a split second in the red will hurt anything significantly, but I'm curious what you guys think.

jbmitt

 

[Pepsi90919]

i redline my car sometimes, but only for a second, no damage done.

it's 9 years old too.

 

[Static911]

I constantly redline my ls-400; well, it still works.

I redline it in 1st and 2nd gear (or until I hit speed limit, which ever comes first)

static911

 

[tweekah]

Shouldn't do any harm. Hitting redline actually helps clean carbon deposits up. Also you should have a rev-limiter/fuel cut off that is controlled by your ECU if you did come close to causing major damage.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Your car is new enough that the ECU will have prevented any damage. You are risking a lot more by not using your headlights. I've done my share of pranks and such, but I've not ever driven off without my headlights. I have a thing against ending up in a ditch or hitting a deer. Plus, not having headlights attracts more attention from law enforcement.

Zenmervolt

 

[Gillbot]

i run my car into redline all the time, i've even ran it pegger to the rev limiter for a bit in HARD acceleration

 

[OS]

Bah, my old car I'd redline several times everyday for 2 years. Powertrain never gave me a problem.

Just remember to change your oil on time. :Q

 

[jbmitt]

Part of the reason it happened was because I was trying to flip on my lights so I could see, typically I have lights on when I drive, as I do like to see whats more than 10 feet in front of me.

 

[geno]

it won't kill the engine, don't worry about it.

 

[GagBag]

i cant even redline my car....

 

[BigLance]

Don't be so scared of the Redline, it is as big of a deal as you think ... Starting the engine cold and driving w/o it warming up is much harder on the motor then redlining a warmed engine. Part of the idea behind a Red Line is to prevent the engine from flying aprt inside.. most engines will not rev hard enough for this to happen because they will float the valves, or the computer controls it. The Redline, is of course below the point where all this damage happens, otherwise people would be blowing stuff up fight and left (including me). Warm you engine up properly, change your oil and other maint. and a little redlining won't be any big deal.