When to shift?

[Bud2]

G'day guys!

I was just wondering when is the optimum time to shift gears? Suppose you have a dyno chart, at what rpm do you set the shift light? Or more commonly, if you don't have a dyno chart, at what point do you set the shift light?

Oh, by the way, I'm not talking about economy runs.

Bud

 

[tigernut]

In the past, I've set the shift light several hundred rpm above the peak hp curve, assuming that you aren't into the engine redline at that point. The desired effect is that you maintain your rpm within the uppermost portion of the hp curve.

The light also helps give you a visual indicator of when redline is approaching without actually hitting the rev limiter (assuming you have one). Hitting the rev limiter during racing will ruin your times.

Doug

 

[Erik S. Klein]

My take is that you want to shift somewhere after peak for the gear you're in and as close to peak for the next gear up the line without hitting the rev limiter.

From most dyno charts I've seen this means shifting at just about the redline most of the time.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Cant answer your question but I would like to welcome you to the CAC.

 

[magicv8]

G'day guys!

I was just wondering when is the optimum time to shift gears? Suppose you have a dyno chart, at what rpm do you set the shift light? Or more commonly, if you don't have a dyno chart, at what point do you set the shift light?
Bud

Shift light?? We don't need no stinking shift light!

If you dont know when the torque and horsepower run out (no dyno), shift when the seat of your pants tells you it's not pulling hard anymore and make sure it's before the valves float and/or the studs come out of the heads (usually the red line + 500)

 

[Ken Anderson]

Big Block 8500
Small block 9500 -10000
If you can do this, then you've got a REAL engine!

 

[67HEAVEN]

Big Block 8500
Small block 9500 -10000
If you can do this, then you've got a REAL engine!

Dude!

 

[henny496]

shift point

Hello
I would go to the low end of what you think the max power point is, dictated by your engine combo. Try shifting at that point and then increase the rpm(500 rev at a time)on next passes. If you go slower, then you are too high in the rpm
As far as how much to leave for safety on the revs between shifts, will depend on how well your car can speed shift and how fast you are with the stick
Tom

 

[SebringBill]

I shift my 57 when the engine tells me I better "or else"!

Then I go in the next gear until it happens again!