Proper rpm to shift at?

[jkrolikowski]

At what rpm should I be shifting the cb7 into 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th gears when driving regularly? Just general driving - maybe spirited driving, but not racing or speeding.

My car: 91 Accord EX. f22a6, basically stock, but very healthy. Has under 100k and well maintained.

[JDM_CB7_TX]

If you go past the red line it is bad. Just throwing it out there. Drive it right and it will last alot longer.

"Spirited driving" I would say no more then 3 grand. Racing no more then redline!

Not double clutching, Granny shifting like ya should!

[vietkid_2006]

3-3.5k rpms.

[rocketman_471]

^X2 That's where I shift

[jimy]

I hardly pay attention to my rpm. I shift by feel.

[mtnbikaah]

normal daily driving: between 2-2.5k, unless faster acceleration is needed (then redline is the limit).... i also drive for fuel economy generally. but it is also feel.

[deevergote]

I wouldn't shift that low... it puts a strain on the engine. I try to keep my RPM between 2 and 3 at all times.

The manual actually tells you the ideal shift points for fuel economy.

For racing purposes, shifting shortly before redline is usually best.

[jimy]

For racing purposes, shifting shortly before redline is usually best.

That is the truth. The red line is there to tell you that you'll hit fuel cut off if you hit that line. If you look at every dyno graph for our motors, power and torque drops off way before redline. Knowing your powerband and shift points are key to any racing.

[mtnbikaah]

I wouldn't shift that low... it puts a strain on the engine. I try to keep my RPM between 2 and 3 at all times.

Then why do automatics let you run below 2k? (I have NO experience driving an auto accord.) My mom's Fit (auto) often cruises down the road at 1.5k. With all the automatics i've driven you can drive them so they shift at 2-2.5k. That is bad for the engine? Enlighten me.

I would also argue that redlining is also "strain" on the engine.

(I have mentioned in the past I drive like a old man)

[deevergote]

Redlining absolutely IS strain on the engine.

But shifting to where the RPM is below 2k and accelerating can put wear on the engine. It's commonly referred to as "lugging". Cruising below that RPM is fine, but accelerating causes issues.

[mtnbikaah]

true, but i wouldn't consider shifting at 2-2.5k while accelerating at a normal rate lugging the engine(though I probably accelerate slower than most).

To each his own.

As mentioned, it is more of a "feel" thing.

[oyajicool]

My shifting point from first to second gear is somewhere around 4000 RPM, depend on my mood at that moment and traffic up ahead. Then as I go up in speed and gears, shifting point comes down in RPM.

Engines are like spinning top and every engine has its own happy RPM range. You should be able to hear with your ears and feel it with your butt. Comparing two differing engines/cars are not really making sense to me.

Low RPM Lugging is really not good for engines as I was told by an engine shop, and again, you should be able to feel it why.

[GeoffM]

Then why do automatics let you run below 2k? (I have NO experience driving an auto accord.) My mom's Fit (auto) often cruises down the road at 1.5k. With all the automatics i've driven you can drive them so they shift at 2-2.5k. That is bad for the engine? Enlighten me.

I would also argue that redlining is also "strain" on the engine.

(I have mentioned in the past I drive like a old man)

I can sometimes get my auto accord to cruise around 1300. The few times I've ridden in trucks with big V8s they can cruise around 800. As for shifting, mine usually shifts around 3-33k. If I let off the gas and accelerate slower then I can hold it around 2 until it shifts.

[C91BLX7]

I cant tell you when to shift, depends on, load, weather, incline/decline, target speed, mood .

[wed3k]

Then why do automatics let you run below 2k? (I have NO experience driving an auto accord.) My mom's Fit (auto) often cruises down the road at 1.5k. With all the automatics i've driven you can drive them so they shift at 2-2.5k. That is bad for the engine? Enlighten me.

I would also argue that redlining is also "strain" on the engine.

(I have mentioned in the past I drive like a old man)

torque converter allows slip which is why it is generally smoother than driving a manual. when i drive i dont use that much clutch at all so if you were to be behind me, it'd seem like i would be new at driving a stick but i dont like to "slip" the clutch.

it sucks because i get into customer's cars and stall them all the time if they have a "grabby" clutch and not a lot of power.