GearHead5Point0

Hello,

I'm sorry if this question is stupid, but I'm new at manual so, it'll probably be a stupid question.

Anyways, I drive a 2012 Mustang GT 6 Speed with the 3.73 Limited Slip Rear. If I shift at 3500rpm, at around 3rd gear, I am already at 35-40mph...is this normal? Should I be shifting at an earlier rpm?

I guess I'm still getting used to controlling my own shift points so I'm not very knowledgeable at what rpm to shift gears, what speeds I should be at given when i shift and what gear I am in, etc.

Thanks everyone...

AzPete

Your shift points will depend on what is comfortable RPM's for you to run at. You want some power to accelerate when needed without lugging the engine. Also, shift points vary based on how fast you want to gain speed.

I shift above 3000 for most normal driving but also pick a comfortable gear to cruise in when in town traffic.

Just shift when it "feels" right and you will pick up your style in a very short time.

a_lopez1975

For me, I usually shift gears based on how the engine sounds and how the car feels (if I need to shift up or down). But between 30mph-40mph I'm in 3rd gear as well, so I guess that's normal..

SSKILLER5.0

Or you could just shift when it hits the red line..Its good all the way up to there!!..lol. Just joking man. Just get a feel for the engine and when it starts to strain a bit..Shifting at 3500 rpm in third in this engine is nowhere near what its capable of. If you are comfortable with that than rock on my man!! Nice ride love the rousch

dcarlinf1

I taught my kid to shift at 3k RPM every gear. Then 4k RPM's. Then 5k. That was in a little Mazda and would be a little extreme in a Stang. Once you get used to it there is no "correct" speed or RPM. But, RPM's is what you want to go by, not speed. Nice and easy would be at 3k. Drag racing would be 6.5-7k. I'm usually somewhere in the middle.

99gtstang

to achieve 18.8 MPS in the city: Shift at 2K go 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th AND IT SUCKS..... Do that for a while and 2500 will feel comfortable... I prefer 2600-3500 area.

The conservative driving was a test and it sucked, but when shifting 3K+ I would skip gears; 1, 3, 5, 6.

GearHead5Point0

Alright, I appreciate the advice sir, thank you!

GearHead5Point0

Thanks for the advice everyone! I understand what you mean about "feeling" the car, and the engine. I feel that at around 3500rpm, the car is already straining. Maybe its just me, and maybe its because the car is still brand new, with only 79 miles on it.

GearHead5Point0

Thanks, nice ride yourself. How is the Boss 302 intake manifold? Do you feel a major difference in performance?

SSKILLER5.0

Yea it is a big differrence..if you match that up with a CAI and a tune it really changes the way the car drives. I would say however the boss intake is a high rpm product it doesn't really kick iin until after 5000 rpm. Oddly enough we are on a post talking about rpms..lol