RogerPodacter

Just wondering what everyone's preference is when it comes to shifting (6MT). For everyday stop and go driving i usually shift between 3-4K. However, it is much smoother if I rev up to 4.5K. The RPMs seem to drop quicker from there.

wiz

It depends...some gears it's lower like 4k, other's it's higher like 5.5k...it really depends on the situation. I go by the speed and sound of the engine to shift most of the time, I normally don't look at the RPM's.

provench

I definetly go to the 4-4.5K range on a regular basis with 1-2 and 2-3 ... you have to get in the sweet spot or you will have to give too much gas to compensate for being too low in the gear. The great thing about the gearing in the 6MT is that it is so easy to always stay in the 3-4.5K range which is where the TSX really is smooth. Of course 4-5 and 5-6 shifts are generall made very low in the RPM range unless you are on the highway or the track

ebcheon

i'm at 1300 miles... and i usually shift between 3-4 rpm... i've started to reach 4.5 rpm, but i think i'll slowly increase the rpm. don't want to push it to its limits right away.

STRYKER

Usually rev between 3-4 K for regular driving. Started getting to the 4500 which is very sweet, and occassionally getting it up to 5500-6000 if the music is really loud

vwong

When I drive the car, I shift at around 4k. I don't know at what rpm my wife would shift when she's driving it, but I think she shifts at around 4k too. The car only has about 300 miles on, it's still in the break-in period.

RogerPodacter

Good advice Pro. Glad I asked because previously I was not doing that, but that sweet spot really is the best place for shifting 1-2 and 2-3.

ebcheon

i wonder why the manual says to shift at these speeds:
1->2: 12 mph
2->3: 23 mph
3->4: 34 mph
4->5: 45 mph
5->6: 56 mph...

can anyone explain the difference between what the manual says and shifting at 4-5k rpm?

gonova

Are you sure that those are the recommended speeds for shifting and not some other guide? I don't have the manual in front of me, but I remember it having multiple charts like that for minimum and maximum speeds for both up- and down-shifting. Not impugning your reading skills, just wondering.

Sarlacc

Its by feel and driving conditions. The more you drive it them more you know it. I only look at my RPM when merging on the highway cause i usually redline 2,3 on the bastard to get any speed. I love my car but i need something more quick you lucky people and your fancy TSXs

ClutchPerformer

I think they printed it that way because it's easy to remember. 1->2: 12, 2->3: 23, get it? It says to do that for good gas mileage, etc. It's only a guideline. Like if you've never driven stick before.

ebcheon

shifting every 11 miles is too hard... have to shift way too often.

but i guess "its not a rule... more like a guideline." -- p.o.t.c.

Count Blah

I use those as a rough guideline.. more for downshifting actually.

As I slow down for a light or a curve, I then have to figure out what gear to put it in again. If I'm still going around 30mph, I'll put it in 3rd. Around 20mph I know that 2nd will work, etc.

(MT newbie here.)

Sarlacc

yeah thats a good start, then you'll soon be hitting 20mph curves coming in at 60 downing to 3rd, then into 2nd gear at 30-40mph and hitting the gas, and boom youve justed blasted through a hell of a fun curve. And trust me if its fun in my boat of a coupe, in the TSX is gonna be even juicier. I wish i could remember what it felt like in my lude.

1killercls

Redline every shift...:P

Sarlacc

Damn dude, if you do that ALL the time, I'd hate to have your monthly gas bill