6 speed RPM question

[kinelisch]

For those who drive a 6-speed manual:

I usually keep the RPMs low — around 2,500 while cruising on back roads — and shift at about 3,000 RPM.

• What RPM do you typically cruise at?
• When do you usually shift?

Also, is there any downside to cruising at around 3,500 RPM for extended periods?

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[Zig]

For those who drive a 6-speed manual:

I usually keep the RPMs low — around 2,500 while cruising on back roads — and shift at about 3,000 RPM.

• What RPM do you typically cruise at?
• When do you usually shift?

Also, is there any downside to cruising at around 3,500 RPM for extended periods?

Heat and neighbors (depends on exhaust setting). Sounds like rev-match is turned off?

 

[Farmer Fran]

At or just below 2000 cruisin.

 

[LouG]

Jeez, that's wasting 5000 rpm.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

For those who drive a 6-speed manual:

I usually keep the RPMs low — around 2,500 while cruising on back roads — and shift at about 3,000 RPM.

• What RPM do you typically cruise at?
• When do you usually shift?

Also, is there any downside to cruising at around 3,500 RPM for extended periods?

You're driving a dual over head cam V8. It likes to rev, and it doesn't start making good power until at least 4k. You aren't going to hurt anything. Besides shifting a manual below 4k is just boring.

 

[Junkyard Dog]

Also, is there any downside to cruising at around 3,500 RPM for extended periods?

What is an extended period?

 

[kinelisch]

You're driving a dual over head cam V8. It likes to rev, and it doesn't start making good power until at least 4k. You aren't going to hurt anything. Besides shifting a manual below 4k is just boring.

Yeah that’s true. I do spirited driving often but wanted to see what you guys tend to drive in range of RPMs

 

[kinelisch]

What is an extended period?

Like a few minutes or so?

 

[Junkyard Dog]

I would have no issue whatsoever running 3500 rpm for a few minutes or so.

If you go to a track day, you probably will not drop under 5000 rpm for half an hour at a time, five sessions a day.

 

[LouG]

Like a few minutes or so?

Given the right unrestricted road you could sit on 6k or 7k rpm for as long as the various temps allow.

 

[kinelisch]

Given the right unrestricted road you could sit on 6k or 7k rpm for as long as the various temps allow.

will sitting in higher RPMs consume more oil?

 

[LouG]

will sitting in higher RPMs consume more oil?

Possibly, but it'll be minimal. Definitely a lot more dino juice, tyres will wear faster, brakes too if you use them much.
Speed costs, how fast can you afford?

 

[young at heart]

For those who drive a 6-speed manual:

I usually keep the RPMs low — around 2,500 while cruising on back roads — and shift at about 3,000 RPM.

• What RPM do you typically cruise at?
• When do you usually shift?

Also, is there any downside to cruising at around 3,500 RPM for extended periods?

I hope you won’t take this as sounding condescending or snarky. It isn’t meant to be. But I’m in my mid-70s and I rarely look at the tach unless there’s a specific reason, like maybe I’m doing a pull and want to maximize power delivery. Otherwise, I shift by instinct and listening to the engine and the car in general. If I had to drive around with one eye on the tach I’d soon be drooling like a rabid possum. Plus, it isn’t safe. Things happen really fast in these cars!

Yes, it takes time. But if you aren’t to the point where you can shift subconsciously by feel, sound and intuition it’s the universe telling you that you need more seat time with the manual. You will get there!

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