Shift Speeds/RPMs

[_Laz]

I'm curious at what speeds/RPMs other owners are shifting at under normal street driving conditions. I find I'm shifting around the 3k-4K rpm range, and generally keep it around 3k RPM for a given speed range.

What do other people do? Under what circumstances do you use 6th gear? 5th gear can sit in the 80 MPH range at around 4K RPM, dropping it into 6th at that speed drops the RPMs into the 2k range, but the engine gets very quiet and it feels sluggish when trying to pass. Is it ok to keep it in 5th at the 70-80 MPH range?

I appreciate anyone's feedback.

Sponsored

 

[TDC]

Typically 3-4k around town. I live in a flat area so I use 6th at 60 and above. Will downshift occasionally to hear that wonderful exhaust note.

 

[combustor]

Have you driven a 3 pedal car before?

Under light throttle, use the highest gear you can without lugging.
If passing, downshift.
You can leave it in 5th at 70-80 mph. You could leave it in 3rd. But why?
This isn't an auto. There is no PRNDL.

 

[sweetchuck2001]

Normal driving around town, 3500-4000. Usually I can stay in 3rd gear as most speed limits around town are 35, and it keeps the rpms a little under 3000. I don't find myself using 6th very much, maybe over 75 on the highway, but I don't like how quiet it gets.

 

[_Laz]

Have you driven a 3 pedal car before?

Under light throttle, use the highest gear you can without lugging.
If passing, downshift.
You can leave it in 5th at 70-80 mph. You could leave it in 3rd. But why?
This isn't an auto. There is no PRNDL.

Yes, I have driven a 3 pedal car before, but it's been about 25 years. Muscle memory kicked in, so I got used to it prett quick.

 

[Twenty15]

Normal driving around town, 3500-4000. Usually I can stay in 3rd gear as most speed limits around town are 35, and it keeps the rpms a little under 3000. I don't find myself using 6th very much, maybe over 75 on the highway, but I don't like how quiet it gets.

Time to get a Corsa

 

[Tank]

From the Shelby Owners Manual Supplement....
Recommended Shift Speeds for Maximum Fuel Economy
Upshift according to the following chart:

Shift from Recommended speed
1- 2. 13 mph (21 km/h)
2- 3. 24 mph (39 km/h)
3- 4. 31 mph (50 km/h)
4- 5. 39 mph (63 km/h)
5- 6. 43 mph (69 km/h)

 

[krt22]

Good luck at 43mph in 6th.

 

[Eric0w]

Good luck at 43mph in 6th.

I have tried it, it felt like a Prius...

 

[Sheenapple]

I do 43-45 in 6th. You have to understand and adjust your expectations though. If you go to 6th you're admitting that you're okay with not accelerating and that you're okay with the speed you're going.

Edit: realized this was a GT350 post, I only own a GT. Sorry

 

[Trackaholic]

I do 43-45 in 6th. You have to understand and adjust your expectations though. If you go to 6th you're admitting that you're okay with not accelerating and that you're okay with the speed you're going.

Edit: realized this was a GT350 post, I only own a GT. Sorry

That applies to the GT350 as well. You can maintain speed on a flat road @ 40-45, but that's about all.

It made me wonder about the magazine tests where they do a 30-50 run in top gear. I think the GT350 was 10 seconds or so. I don't quite know how they were able to get down to 30 in top gear in the first place, let alone accelerate to 50 in 10 seconds. Talk about lugging the engine.

I typically shift at 2500-3000 depending on traffic. If I'm on an open road, then maybe 4000 instead. On the HWY I'm usually in 6th above 60, but below that I'll be in 5th or 6th depending on the situation.

-T

 

[HizliBullet]

From the Shelby Owners Manual Supplement....
Recommended Shift Speeds for Maximum Fuel Economy
Upshift according to the following chart:

Shift from Recommended speed
1- 2. 13 mph (21 km/h)
2- 3. 24 mph (39 km/h)
3- 4. 31 mph (50 km/h)
4- 5. 39 mph (63 km/h)
5- 6. 43 mph (69 km/h)

I read that last night and was doing that today, all shifts equate to around 2000 prm

 

[Stripes]

If I'm trying to be quiet while leaving the neighbourhood, I'll shift just under 2000 rpm, otherwise, I'll shift at around 2000 rpm.

If I'm feeling on the wild side, 2200 rpm lol

 

[krt22]

I do 43-45 in 6th. You have to understand and adjust your expectations though. If you go to 6th you're admitting that you're okay with not accelerating and that you're okay with the speed you're going.

Edit: realized this was a GT350 post, I only own a GT. Sorry

I have a GT as well and even with the 3.31 rear 6th is semi usable. In the GT350 is useless below 80mph if you want to accelerate or go up hill. I'm shifting to 4th or 5th all the time with my hilly commute (not that it's terrible to hear the motor).

With the recommended shift points and moderate throttle position, it's a shift every half a second, again, not necessarily a bad thing

 

[Old Car Guy]

Was...

Yes, I have driven a 3 pedal car before, but it's been about 25 years. Muscle memory kicked in, so I got used to it prett quick.

Was in San Diego last fall with our GT Mustang, and most the time on the Interstate System, From my experience there, you do not have to worry about getting into 5th gear, or maybe even to 4th gear, but I guess that good old California Traffic...... Ha! :cheers: John

Sponsored