When to shift
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
I came from a lifetime of Jeep Cherokee's, Chevy wagons etc. My father had a '64 Buick Wildcat that was pretty quick. I drove a friends Z28 and Datsun 260Z, fast cars but nothing like my C6.
I really was just being curious about shifting at what rpm's. I doubt I will ever run through the gears at red line. Does that get me kicked out of the Corvette family now?.
I really was just being curious about shifting at what rpm's. I doubt I will ever run through the gears at red line. Does that get me kicked out of the Corvette family now?.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 808
Likes: 286
From: Johns Creek, Georgia
Sorry, my humor is very dry and my answers are full of snark, yet always based on facts.
Did you watch the video I posted?
Have you tried your 4500 rpm theory out and compared it to running up to 6500? Even the butt dyno will tell you the answer.
Mr. “Hence” knows his stuff when it comes to C6 repair, but he’s wrong on when to shift one.
Running on the expressway at 100 isn’t exactly extreme. Some people call that commuting. (**** I did it again, I can’t help myself)
Did you watch the video I posted?
Have you tried your 4500 rpm theory out and compared it to running up to 6500? Even the butt dyno will tell you the answer.
Mr. “Hence” knows his stuff when it comes to C6 repair, but he’s wrong on when to shift one.
Running on the expressway at 100 isn’t exactly extreme. Some people call that commuting. (**** I did it again, I can’t help myself)
I did watch the video.
I have not done a comparison between shifting at 4500 rpm or 6500 rpm.
Running at 100 where I live gives you a one way ticket to the pokey and probably the loss of insurance.
Read post #20
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 450
From: Texarkana Texas
I think the key here is...."as fast as possible"...from 0-140. Not just simply achieving 140, but getting there as fast as possible. My guess would be near redline. But if you just want to get to 140, pick a straight rode, preferably in Mexico somewhere, the right time of day where there is less traffic, and just go for it. You will be surprised how fast 140 comes up. I can get 140 easily in 4th gear, and not getting close to redline in each gear...probably in the 15 or 20 second range, or less ( I've never timed it, but its quick)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 808
Likes: 286
From: Johns Creek, Georgia
I think the key here is...."as fast as possible"...from 0-140. Not just simply achieving 140, but getting there as fast as possible. My guess would be near redline. But if you just want to get to 140, pick a straight rode, preferably in Mexico somewhere, the right time of day where there is less traffic, and just go for it. You will be surprised how fast 140 comes up. I can get 140 easily in 4th gear, and not getting close to redline in each gear...probably in the 15 or 20 second range, or less ( I've never timed it, but its quick)
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 26,430
Likes: 493
Ought to be able to hit 140 in around 3 blocks.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,631
Likes: 1,818
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I am not a speed demon, I don't often drive hard off the line and rarely drive over 90. I am just wondering if I wanted to go 0 to 140 as fast as possible at what rpm would I shift at for each gear?
Do you racers out there get near red line for each gear? Curious to see what you guys think.
Do you racers out there get near red line for each gear? Curious to see what you guys think.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,105
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
0 to 140 and back to 0 is easy within a mile in a stock C6. To be safe, have a clear visual for 2 miles ahead with no side roads, houses, or blind spots.
To do it in the shortest time, not only do you need to shift at or around 6500, but more importantly, how to launch in first gear from a dead stop. Lots of races are won or lost in the first 100 feet. If your 0 - 60 time is more than 5 seconds, you need more practice.
To do it in the shortest time, not only do you need to shift at or around 6500, but more importantly, how to launch in first gear from a dead stop. Lots of races are won or lost in the first 100 feet. If your 0 - 60 time is more than 5 seconds, you need more practice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 1,961
From: Morris County New Jersey
The easy and best answer is to change gears at or near redline. Guys are talking about rpm's and the motors horsepower, but are not taking gearing into consideration. A lower gear will provide an advantage when accelerating. So unless there is an extreme drop off in power or traction issues, you want to remain in the lower gear as long as possible, which in most cases is redline.
Last edited by TorchRedFred; Nov 3, 2019 at 02:22 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,105
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Fl.
Power curves
I am not a speed demon, I don't often drive hard off the line and rarely drive over 90. I am just wondering if I wanted to go 0 to 140 as fast as possible at what rpm would I shift at for each gear?
Do you racers out there get near red line for each gear? Curious to see what you guys think.
Do you racers out there get near red line for each gear? Curious to see what you guys think.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
That particular stretch is nearly 50 miles long without a kink or dip... the other day I was talking to a guy and mentioned when your car hits the speed limiter it feels just like you ran into a wall... he asked how do you know that... LOL...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 779
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 26,430
Likes: 493
You want to shift after maximum torque available through transmission, i.e., torque in 2nd exceeds torque in 1st. Torque in 2nd will never/rarely exceed torque in 1st before redline in 1st. Same for 2nd. After 2nd gear it gets fuzzy. To figure this mess out you will need the torque curve of your engine and speed vs rpm in each gear plus the gear ratios of your transmission. Look at the torque at redline in 1st, multiply that by 1st gear ratio. Now look at the rpm you will be turning in 2nd when you shift at redline. You will find that the torque at that rpm multiplied by the 2nd gear ration is less than what you were getting in 1st.
For maximum acceleration you are looking for max torque to rear wheels.
For maximum acceleration you are looking for max torque to rear wheels.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
Drifting
Joined: May 2015
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From: Martinez CA