Yeah, if you have a stock auto transmission then you will never get it much past 4000 rpms before it shifts. My FMX shifts at 4500, 1-2 and at 4000, 2-3. Manual shifting is the only way to get to redline. I believe that you can vary the shift point a little by adjusting the modulator but I dont think it has that much play.

 

I asked for 2 reasons: 1 is sort of curiosity. 2, I might put some sort of ratchet shifter in the car down the road, so I would want to know then. From what I'm hearing, it sounds like there is a GOOD point to shift, and a SAFE point to rev it, but the good point is before the safe point so I dont really have to worry all that much... Sounds good to me! I will prolly be getting a new car today that is a manual, so that will help me learn when good times to shift are...

 

What kind of new car? Not getting rid of the mustang are you??

 

The good point should be before the safe point. I shift at around 6,100-6,200, but it'll safely go to 7. Ideal shift point for performance is determined by the power curve. If you knew the rpm range that your trans lets you operate in up top, and had the power curve, you could use calculus to do a derivitive and figure what shift point would allow for the most power output across a given rpm range. That being said, most street car power curves put the best shift point at a bit past peak hp, which on a stock 289 is like 5,000rpm or a shade under.

 

I just got a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT. Its awesome. Scary fast. Im keeping the stang tho. Im gonna use the legacy as my daily driver, and have the mustang for weekends and stuff.