Dux

Hi all, new here.

I just bought myself a beautiful barely used 2012 Mustang V6 Convertible with the 6-speed manual. I am loving it so far, but I've noticed that it doesn't produce much power below 3000RPM, making it feel a little weak on the freeway. So my question is this:

When downshifting to accelerate on the freeway, what do you all do? Say I'm cruising in 6th at around 70mph and I want to pass a truck. Downshifting into 5th really doesn't produce much power at all. Am I wrong to skip 5th and go straight into 4th? Would it be too rough on 3rd if I really needed to get a jump? If anyone here with experience driving the V6 could give me some pointers on limits like this, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Green Stang

If you want more lower end power. I would suggest first by looking into a Tuner from AM. You can find it here. If you put on the 87 Street tune you will notice a lot more power under 3000RPM. Also I might suggest buying one of the bundles with a CAI if you do desire to get a tuner, its a great deal.

Now I have an Auto and not a Manual, so not sure if I can be much help here. Also you should probably not take my word on this. But for the auto's 5th and 6th gear is over drive, so I am assuming its the same for manual. So Initially you will have almost no get up and go when in 5th or 6th gear. Your power will be more down in 3rd and 4th gear. With skipping 5th gear and going straight to 4th gear, I would personally just hit 5th gear just to be safe. Lastly I wouldn't hit 3rd gear at all, If your going 70 and need to pass a truck 4th should be good enough. But as I said I don't own a manual mustang, I have a manual 5- speed jeep but that's nothing like driving a mustang.

Steve St.Laurent

Match the RPM before you let the clutch out and you can downshift to whatever gear you want as long as you aren't revving your engine beyond redline. I downshift straight from 6th to 3rd at 70 with the stock 2.73's no problem. When doing large downshifts like that you really want to have the engine speed close to what it will be when you let the clutch out - don't let the trans drag your engine up to speed. You really should be doing that anyways when downshifting or upshifting (but many don't) - it's a LOT easier on synchro's in the tranny, the drivetrain, tires, chassis stability, etc.

Siber Express

I have yet to go below 4th, I do have 3.31 gears in mine though, but I don't think as long as you were rev matching going to 3rd would hurt

Green Stang

I agree going to 3rd wont hurt. Shortly after I posted my last reply, I noticed on another thread people talking about dropping to 3rd going 70, But I believe they had 3.55 gears.

Dux

Thanks for the replies, guys. The stock 2.73 really seems geared toward gas mileage, but it's good to know that I have the option to double clutch and pop it into 3rd if I really need a boost.

GhostStrykre

my 2012 v6 is my daily driver and i almost exclusively drive the highway to work. i shift to 5th when i just want to casually and peacfully get up to speed. i shift to 4th when i see the need to accelerate coming up and i want to prepare with more enthusiasm. and i shift to 3rd when someone surprises me and i REALLY need to jump forward. exactly like steve said above, when you are shifting into a lower gear make sure you give the engine some gas while your clutch is in so that you get your engine speed to a higher rev, and then let that clutch out.

when jumping from 6th to 3rd at 70mph i'd say to rev up to about 4000rpm. you'd be good there.

i will say this, i NEVER go to 2nd at highway speed. you'll be at your redline if you do that. the tranny won't even want to let you get the gear into place.

Chromeshadow

WhenI drove home from the dealer after buying mine, I practiced shifting from 5 or 6th to 3rd. btw 3rd is good to 98 mph with 3:31 gears. Practice practice practice! If you need to get out of the way of another car you cant be guessing which gear you need.