Also, 4 cyl ARE designed to rev. Smaller and lighter parts mean they can handle it better than a larger engine that has more weight. My old Toyota engine red-lined at 8,000, and some Honda engines are good for 8,500
If the manufacturer thought there was ANY risk of damaging the engine, they would just set the red-line lower. Remember they warranty the engine (while the car is new) to not blow up. There is no (unless you go over 5,000 rpm) They can sell a car to a rev head like me, and I'll take it to the red-line in every gear, and they are still sure I wont blow it up in 3 years or 100,00km
Four cylinder engines are generally built to rev faster than bigger ones. My last three cars had red-lines on the RPM gauge at 6000, 6000 and 6500. One of them had a limiter that kicked in at 6000 to prevent damage.
I don't think you've hurt anything.
4 cylinders are just a reliable and sturdy as a V6 or V8. It is a myth that they will not last as long as a V8. All you really did was maybe blow a little carbon out of that engine. You did it no harm at all. Rest easy.
Engine is fine.
5 or 6k? That's all?
NO.
I was on a two lane stretch of road where the speed limit is 55. I was behind a Jeep doing 45, so when it was clear I attempted to pass him. As I got in the other lane the Jeep sped up and then a car was suddenly in the distance heading toward me. So I had to basically floor it (I have a four cylinder), and the RPMs were at like 5-6,000... I know it's probably fine, but I have never had to do that to my car after having it for seven years. I just need some reassurance that it's okay. No lights came on or anything, and the engine sounds fine, but I can't help but worry because I know four cylinders aren't built to really do that.
P.S. I would have just got back in the other lane (back behind the Jeep) but the second I pulled out of that lane the car behind me scooted up so I couldn't get back in. I had no choice.
