When do I upshift on Manual transmission?

FOOD88 · 07-01-2009, 05:11 PM

I got a 1999 V6 Mustang and I was wondering when the best times are to upshift during casual driving to make sure I'm not burning unnecessary gas without damaging anything.

Since I've got it I've been shifting from every gear at 2500rpm. Is it too much? Also, I've read the manual and it says that the best times to upshift for best gas mileage are for first to second 11mph, from second to third at 19mph, from third to fourth at 30mph, and from fourth to fifth at 40mph, but I'm under the impression shifting at those speeds is way too soon and it could damage the transmission.

So what's your input on this?

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moontang · 07-01-2009, 05:17 PM

it wont hurt anything other than gas milage but i generally shift between 2500 and 3k when city driving so i can stay out the sluggish bottom end but that just me everyone drives different

PNYXPRESS · 07-01-2009, 07:07 PM

My 2000 v6 owners manual stated to shift around 2000rpms for all gears to obtain the best fuel mileage.

TurtleSLow · 07-01-2009, 07:14 PM

i shift between 2k and 2.5k normally, on higher speed roads it moves up obviously due to faster acceleration. dont worry you wont hurt the trans

FOOD88 · 07-01-2009, 09:05 PM

Thanks to all of you.

eddiev22 · 07-01-2009, 10:14 PM

think about this: how far down you push the gas pedal is how much gas the fuel injectors are spraying...if you are in 5th gear at 40mph good luck not burying your foot to the floor.

TurtleSLow · 07-02-2009, 12:54 AM

well obviously.. if your trying to accelerate past 40 you wouldnt be in 5th yet..

but when im at a constant 40 mph im with 5th for sure. actually if i cruise anywhere from 35 and up its 5th gear (3.73s)

reaper2022 · 07-02-2009, 02:23 PM

I shift between 2k and 3500rpm for normal driving; most of my shifts are right around 2500rpm. My car feels like it makes no power until about 2k (maybe a placebo, maybe it's just from my mods) so I usually don't shift any lower than 2500rpm unless I'm cruising. Back when the car was stock I usually shifted at 2k.

bgnn32 · 07-02-2009, 04:43 PM

2k is generally best for fuel economy, but your left foot will do more for fuel economy than your shift point will.

reaper2022 · 07-02-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgnn32

but your left foot will do more for fuel economy than your shift point will.

You sure about that?