redcoat

Sorry if this is already answered, didnt find it in a search. I have a new '03 TL, and learning Sportshift. 1st-2nd seems ok, but what do you recommend for 2nd-3rd... I try 400RPM, but it doesnt seem right, what are your suggestions?

AcuraTLFan

I don't konw about on the 03 TL-S, but on the 02 TL-S, the computer automatically shifts from 1st -2nd gear for you. If you just want to race or go fast, you should shift each time it gets to redline...that should be the optimal RPM, some ppl shift a few hunderd after redline because they feel that the car is still pulling. On the other hand...if you are usuing sport shift, just for normal driving....you can FEEL when your suppose to shift. When you feel that the engine is perfectly smooth and you are not using anymore power from that gear, shift to the next gear...that's kinda a bad explaination, but it's kinda hard to describe. It just depends on how hard you are stepping on the gas and when your shifting...just try a range of RPM and find one that shifts smoothly...When i shift, i just feel it...i don't look at the RMPs...how this helps a bit

jkc2121

just redline the sum***** thats what i do.

69tl

read the owner manual it tells you when to shift

rominl

before the rev limiter hits? serious now, you can shift any time, even when it's just 2k rpm. you just end up being in 4th and no power at all....

and you can shift when redline too, then you get all power

there are not "rules" for shifting

mdaniel

The shift points depend on your goal. When not trying to race and trying to maximize fuel economy, I shift around 2500. The car's got plenty of power even at low rpm's to keep up with traffic easily. If I want to beat someone off the line to get in their lane, I might shift at 4000. Shift at redline to blow past someone.

medic

I agree, shifting at redline give you the most power, but aren't you really putting more abuse on the tranny and engine then should be. I think occasionally redlineing the car is okay when you need it, but punching it like that every every light is excessive IMO.

If you want a better balance, you may want to consider looking at the power dstribution curve of the car to see where the maximum HP is reached. Shift at that RPM level.