Famous 3rd gear question
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Car Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Northeast
Famous 3rd gear question
Honest question so don't throw anything unpleasant at me.
On almost every car forums I have been in. People always claim their 3rd gear is the passing gear when they race. Let's say manual transmission TL, IS300, G35/Z350, Audi, BMW 330i, Subbies and Evo all at stock form. Which one is best them all?
On almost every car forums I have been in. People always claim their 3rd gear is the passing gear when they race. Let's say manual transmission TL, IS300, G35/Z350, Audi, BMW 330i, Subbies and Evo all at stock form. Which one is best them all?
I've heard the 350z with the HR motor has an awesome 3rd and 4th gear, pulls very strong. When I race on the highway or want to pass someone, I rarely put it into 3rd gear. 4th gear gets the job done nicely 
It depends at which speed you travel and what tranny the car has. If you are on the highway 3rd and 4th are great passing gears in the TL and Accord V6. 2nd gear is also very nice in the city for passing fools on the road. Now a 370Z or G37 with the new 7AT its a whole different ball game. 5th and 6th would be good enough for highway passing! just depends on the situation!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,172
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From: Bakersfield
Too many variables from car to car. One car's 3rd gear may be the same ratio as another car's 2nd or 4th. Third gear is where it can stretch it's legs and make up for a bad takeoff if that car has more power.
As the cars get fast, the first two gears are usually worthless and 3rd is the first gear you can put the pedal to the floor without a lot of wheelspin.
As you get to know the car you know exactly what each gear will do on what type of tire. I know not to think about putting the pedal down in first or second unless I'm on slicks. When third comes around at 65mph I start easing it down and on a good road I can go full throttle by 80mph. If I just nail it in third it will still go up in smoke.
Again, I think everyone thinks their third gear is the best because that's where the majority of the race takes place.
As the cars get fast, the first two gears are usually worthless and 3rd is the first gear you can put the pedal to the floor without a lot of wheelspin.
As you get to know the car you know exactly what each gear will do on what type of tire. I know not to think about putting the pedal down in first or second unless I'm on slicks. When third comes around at 65mph I start easing it down and on a good road I can go full throttle by 80mph. If I just nail it in third it will still go up in smoke.
Again, I think everyone thinks their third gear is the best because that's where the majority of the race takes place.
All motor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,530
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From: Long Island
All of the 3rd gears listed in the original post are very similar pull-wise. The 350z HR and G37 (both 6MTs) should pull harder than the TL/Accord 6MT. If I'm on the highway and want to pass someone I usually do it in 6th 
Usually the only reason I'd downshift to pass is if the person is driving like no one has anywhere to go or if I'm in a rush.
Usually the only reason I'd downshift to pass is if the person is driving like no one has anywhere to go or if I'm in a rush.
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JarrettLauderdale
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Sep 21, 2015 07:51 PM
