When should I shift gears?
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 1
From: Missoula
When should I shift gears?
This is my first manual vehicle, I'm at a loss of when to shift for the best MPG possible and not lugging motor.
Its a 1990 F150 RCSB with an M5OD, a 302 and 3.55 gears. Is there a way to decode when I should shift or anything like that?
Its a 1990 F150 RCSB with an M5OD, a 302 and 3.55 gears. Is there a way to decode when I should shift or anything like that?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
For best mpg shift at a relatively low rpm like 2500 and use moderate throttle, and don't use the engine to slow down when coming to a stop like all the ricers do everywhere all the time
, shift into neutral and use the brakes.
, shift into neutral and use the brakes.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 1
From: Missoula
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Skiatook, OK
You can calculate the power band, but it's easier to feel it. You can do this by accelerating without flooring it and there is a point where the acceleration slows. To keep mpg up, shift right when you reach the point of diminishing return. Drive it enough, and you will be one with the machine. You'll be able to feel when to shift.
Or, calculate by transmission gears and rear gears and let the tach be your boss. Either way, the shift points will be pretty similar.
Or, calculate by transmission gears and rear gears and let the tach be your boss. Either way, the shift points will be pretty similar.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 1
From: Missoula
You can calculate the power band, but it's easier to feel it. You can do this by accelerating without flooring it and there is a point where the acceleration slows. To keep mpg up, shift right when you reach the point of diminishing return. Drive it enough, and you will be one with the machine. You'll be able to feel when to shift.
Or, calculate by transmission gears and rear gears and let the tach be your boss. Either way, the shift points will be pretty similar.
Or, calculate by transmission gears and rear gears and let the tach be your boss. Either way, the shift points will be pretty similar.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Skiatook, OK
Here's how one guy explains it:
Optimal Shift Point
He talks about using dyno-type information to calculate, but if you have a tach you can use that.
Optimal Shift Point
He talks about using dyno-type information to calculate, but if you have a tach you can use that.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 1
From: Missoula
Here's how one guy explains it:
Optimal Shift Point
He talks about using dyno-type information to calculate, but if you have a tach you can use that.
Optimal Shift Point
He talks about using dyno-type information to calculate, but if you have a tach you can use that.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I downshift(gee, does that make me a ricer? Ok, whatever
), as it saves wear and tear on brakes around town. You aren't on the gas pedal so no fuel is being put into the engine. So NO affect on fuel mileage. It doesn't wear out the clutch either, if don't correctly. Driving a stick is not difficult and if you LISTEN to the engine it tells you want it needs. Not all trucks come with a tach, so you can't rely on that every time.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 586
From: Chillicothe
Wish I would have seen this sooner, I would have paid attention to where I shift when I drove to work this morning. If I remember, I'll watch when I go home today and post up. Same basic drive line as you so it should be close
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,343
Likes: 1,318
From: Central Mississippi
Wow.
Someone from Montana who hasn't driven a stick enough to naturally know the feel of manual shift points...
At any rate, opinions, like rectal orifices, are universal. (Some stink more/less than others, but most everyone prefers their own
)
You need to learn how to down-shift. Particularly in an emergency situation. Its not just for ricers. It helps you have the power band in the proper place should and if you need it.
If you want to know the exact place to shift, buy & install a vacuum gauge.
Good luck & congrats on new purchase.
Someone from Montana who hasn't driven a stick enough to naturally know the feel of manual shift points...
At any rate, opinions, like rectal orifices, are universal. (Some stink more/less than others, but most everyone prefers their own
)You need to learn how to down-shift. Particularly in an emergency situation. Its not just for ricers. It helps you have the power band in the proper place should and if you need it.
If you want to know the exact place to shift, buy & install a vacuum gauge.
Good luck & congrats on new purchase.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Fueling is dependent on rpm so yes it's still getting more fuel than an idling engine. Any yes it will put more wear on the clutch unless you "do it right" and speed match the engine which again will cost more fuel. And what's easier and less expensive to replace.. brake pads or the clutch?
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,970
Likes: 595
From: Greater Austin, Texas
Fueling is dependent on rpm so yes it's still getting more fuel than an idling engine.
A rule of thumb for best shift point for mileage is to shift at or near the torque peak RPM. On your 302 that is 2400 RPM.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 1
From: Missoula
Fueling is dependent on rpm so yes it's still getting more fuel than an idling engine. Any yes it will put more wear on the clutch unless you "do it right" and speed match the engine which again will cost more fuel. And what's easier and less expensive to replace.. brake pads or the clutch?
Wow.
Someone from Montana who hasn't driven a stick enough to naturally know the feel of manual shift points...
At any rate, opinions, like rectal orifices, are universal. (Some stink more/less than others, but most everyone prefers their own)
You need to learn how to down-shift. Particularly in an emergency situation. Its not just for ricers. It helps you have the power band in the proper place should and if you need it.
If you want to know the exact place to shift, buy & install a vacuum gauge.
Good luck & congrats on new purchase.
Someone from Montana who hasn't driven a stick enough to naturally know the feel of manual shift points...
At any rate, opinions, like rectal orifices, are universal. (Some stink more/less than others, but most everyone prefers their own
)You need to learn how to down-shift. Particularly in an emergency situation. Its not just for ricers. It helps you have the power band in the proper place should and if you need it.
If you want to know the exact place to shift, buy & install a vacuum gauge.
Good luck & congrats on new purchase.