greatdane99

I just purchased my first car: a 1998 v6 mustang. It's also manual transmission which I'm just learning (and really stoked) to be driving. I was wondering what the optimal revs were to shift at for this model. It also has a cold air intake installed on it. Thanks!

BabyGT

That is dependent on speed versus acceleration, uphill/downhill, mods, age, mileage, condition of motor, your driving habits, ect.

There aren't any optimal shift points besides redline when your flat out. Just driving in town you want to shift as soon as your going fast enough that the car won't bog down/buck or stall when you shift into the next gear.

Just gotta kinda feel it lol

Congrats on the car by the way! My first car was a 93 Saturn SL1 single over head cam auto...... Lucky

jthorn9

As stated there aren't any "optimal" shift points. However in general 2000 - 2500 is the range you want to be shifting at when driving around town. That's an RPM just high enough such that you don't bog down after shifting, but low enough not to eat gas needlessly.

greatdane99

Thank you both for your help!

It has 150K on the engine but it has been maintained like a baby (every 3k miles).

greatdane99

Thank you both for your help!

It has 150K on the engine but it has been maintained like a baby (every 3k miles).

Daehawk

Just drive as much as you can and ypu'll get a feel for it. My first car was a stick and it was so nerve wracking yet fun to learn that car. After a week I was doing well and within a month I was set for life. The worst part is sitting at a light thats on a hill. That takes some skill but it comes to you quick enough.

I haven't driven a stick in 25 years but I know without a doubt I could hop in one and drive away just fine. All you need to know once you learn it is where the clutch catches at on anything you drive after that and you're fine.

BabyGT

On steep hills ill pull the parking break, then when lights green ill go to take off normal till car feels like its starting to push against p-brake and release it.

Daehawk

I just rode the clutch.

warthogdriver

great first car, best advice is just drive it. its like riding a bike...once you get the hang of it you will be fine.