For those with the MT - what RPMs do you usually shift at? I tried to find a recommendation, but couldn't find documentation. My other car has an "idiot light" that comes on and generally recommends 2.3k.

I've tried doing that on my TL, but the engine definitely seems happier/smoother if I go up to 3k. The engine doesn't lug per se, but it feels strained or there's a slight rumble or vibration at 2k. Maybe that's just my car? Keep in mind this is for general city driving and I'm trying to maximize fuel economy. You can of course do what works best for you!

 

in the owners manual, it will give you shift points...

page 191

recommended Shift points
Drive in the highest gear that lets the engine run and accelerate smoothly. this will give you good fuel economy and effective emissions control. The following shift points are recommended:

shift up during normal acceleration:
1st to 2nd - 17mph
2nd to 3rd - 27 mph
3rd to 4th - 36 mph
4th to 5th - 41 mph
5th to sixth - 44mph

 

I shift mine at 4k.... after the redlined. for maximize MPG.

 

if its a flatish road and i am not trying to hustle/draw attention to myself, right under 3k

if i am trying to navigate traffic on a 2+ lane road, ill let it sit at 4k

 

Thanks! Guess I skipped over the manual. I didn't think about it in terms of speed, as it's mostly a feel/sound when I drive to shift. I'll have to translate next time I take the TL out.

 

Quite honestly, there is no such a thing as an optimal shift point; if you're tooling around at light throttle, it could be anywhere between 1,500 and 2,200, however, an easy run up an on-ramp might see a shift point closer to 4,500 per gear; then there is the balls-to-the-wall approach where you shift as close to redline as possible.

We need to add "Whiskers" as an option to this poll (and until we do, I won't be voting).

 

Not in the habit of looking at the tach when shifting and rely mostly on the ears, even with the windows closed and A/C on.

 

Poking around town it could be 1500-2000 RPMs. Usually the first mile after I leave my house, 5000-6000 easily....then back down to the 2000 mark once out of my system. I would say most of my general driving rarely goes above 4000. I don't even pay much attention these days and usually just drive.

 

I usually skip gears unless I'm accelerating on a fast road or some type of on ramp. Usually I go 1>2>4>6 for city driving, or end at 5th if it's a slower road like 40 and under or so.

 

IDK, I'll get back to you later!

 

Fair enough - I think that this is how we drive usually. I'm still getting used to the TL, which is MUCH quieter than my existing daily driver ('97 Saturn SC2). Add in a different clutch and throttle feel, so I'm trying to recalibrate all of my tendencies.

 

Exactly how I felt, back in the day, when I purchased my 03 CLS6. I had to put headers on it ASAP to liven up the stock exhaust for better aural reception.

 

How come "Whiskers" hasn't been added to the poll yet?

 

3rd gear redline is my favourite radio station

 

I rarely drive in 6th gear. One, it's hard for me to shift into it for some reason (somehow I always end up in 4th gear). Secondly, I'm always scared that I'm going to throw it into reverse even though I know that it's locked out. 5th gear seems to be fine at 80 mph, but I guess that I could get slightly better fuel economy if I actually used the 6th gear.

 

Hmmm, mine slides into 6th gear with no fuss at all. What MTF do you have in your transmission?

 

Sorry for the late reply. Just now able to post again for some reason.

I assume that I have the regular Honda MTF in there at the moment. I have 3 bottles of the AC Delco syncromeah friction modified fluid sitting on my shelf, but I have been too lazy to actually use it to this point. Sooon

 

Cool, keep us posted.

 

Take your right hand and twist so the palm of your hand is touching the left side of the shift knob. Your fingers grip the north side the the shift knob. Now push in the direction of away from you and pull back. You'll hit 6th every time.

 

put it in, its better than the Honda fluid, yes even the new update one as well.

 

I tested this last night on the highway. At 65mph over 2-3 miles, in 6th, I average around 32-33mpg. At 65mph over 2-3 miles, in 5th, I average 27mpg.

As others have stated, get the GMSMFM in there. It really does make a difference. It doesn't always fix all issues....but makes it smoother. My '05 likes to fight 2nd and 6th from time to time. It was way worse before I put in the GMSMFM. These days after years of GMSMFM, it happens once or twice a year maybe.