Does anyone know when is the best time to shift when racing?

I'm asking because I thought I heard somebody say "it's best to shift under (or something around) the torque curve." I'm sorry, i forgot where I heard this, so dont ask who said this. I know a lot of people just take the gear as far as they can and then shift, but I'm wondering if its just better to stay in the power band rather than taking it all the way to 6500 rpm. Or does the power band for the v6 run all the way to 6500+rpm? At what rpm does everyone else shift?

 

It all depends on what you are trying to do. Is this for acceleration or economy?

 

Acceleration.

I'm trying to go fast, lol. (i dont wanna hear any 6er jokes)

 

I haven't seen any dyno info on the 3.7L so I can't say WHERE your torque and HP peaks but if the car still feels like it's pulling hard up to redline, then the only other determining factor would be what gears you need/want to be in at different points in time.

You can "go fast" regardless of when you shift. You can go fast QUICKLY by shifting at the correct time.

 

Thats the word I was looking for, "quick."

So i should shift where torque peaks?

Nuke, do you run the gears to the redline before shifting? (when racing of course)

 

You want to be at the beginning of your torque band on the next gear. You should also know what gear/rpm you will end the race (1/8, 1/4) because if you can just wind a gear out rather than shifting will save you some time.

Best way to find out is to go to the strip and try it out to see whats faster.

 

You have to feel the car. I never look at what RPM I am at. I just feel the car and shift at redline. Thats typically the best area to shift.