I was wondering when you guys shifted between gears for maximum acceleration between gears when you're racing. I usually just shift at the red line mark, but I'm not so sure that really helps. For those that have been racing their maximas for awhile now, at what rpm do you guys shift at to get the best times?

 

I think a shift point of 6000rpm is ideal. Remember the stock tach is off a bit so you don't really know where 6000rpm is on the tach. I don't know of the link, but there is a site that sells shift lights for like $40.

 

Optimal shift rpms for a 4th gen 5spd are:
1-2: Redline (6550)
2-3: ~6400
3-4: ~6200 (Note: On the 1/4mi strip, you may want to just stay in 3rd to avoid a time-robbing shift)
4-5: Really, is this necessary? Slow down, you're driving too fast...

 

look here
http://harlan.sketchy.net/

 

Well I've got a shift light and I just dynoed my car. Both are very helpful in gauging how quick your car can be. The stock tachometer is off by atleast 300 rpms (reading high) once the needle gets past 5000 rpms. My car makes peak torque at 4300 rpms and peak hp at 5500 rpms. I'm making 176fwhp and 193 ft/lbs of torque. Ideally, you want to be shifting 500 rpms after peak hp, BUT you also want your shift to land into your "good" torque. After looking over my dyno scans and gauging how quickly my power falls after 5500 rpms, I have determined that 6100 rpms AT THE MOTOR is the best rpm to shift at except for 1st. 1st should be taken to an indicated 6500rpms, then all other shifts should be at an indicated 6100-6200 rpms. My shift light is set up to go off at 5900 rpms or an indicated 6200 rpms. What this technically does to let me land my shift just after after hitting 6100 rpms at the motor. The dyno tech and myself both agree this is the best rpm to shift at and I can feel that my car has better pull when shifting "early".

Just because you can wind out the motor to redline doesn't mean it's gonna help your et. My 14.9@94mph is with shifting at 6400-6500 rpms in every gear. Come to find out now I was shifting too late. I haven't been back to the track since adding the light and running the dyno.


Dave

 

I was going to post the same thing but read yours, so no need to post the same info again. Doug emailed me a few weeks back on shift points and I basically said the same thing.. wind it up in first, then in 2nd and 3rd shift at around 6000-6100 rpm. Keep the revs within the usable torque range!

 

Regarding the comment about the time-robbing shift between 3rd & 4th, I assume you must have 16" or 17" wheels. I know what you mean, but when I drag race, I use stock 15" wheels in front, shod with 205/50 BFG Drag Radials. This smaller diameter tire/wheel combo helps me to reach a high revving 3rd gear sooner, so I can enjoy the benefit of an optimal 3rd-to-4th gear shift. I bet I have about 50 yards worth of 4th gear before I hit the finish line. If I left it down in 3rd gear, I'd scream down the last 50-75 yards at redline.