Arizona Stang

I am about to buy a 05 manual GT. I have drove my friend's jetta before which is a manual but it is also a 4-banger. I have never drove a manual V8 before. When should I shift for normal driving? Like what RPMs? I was thinking around 2,000?

MY05GT

Without going for a short drive, I don't know the numbers, but you will be able to tell when to shift if you are familiar with driving a stick. If you are not familiar, after the first couple of trips you should be able to figure it out. I have driven stick all my driving life and this was the easiest car to get the feel of and very forgiving.

05GT-O.C.D.

Shift just before the red marks on the tachometer. :drive:

GregS2005GT

For first timers do what the owners manual says-

Recommended shift speeds
Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage the clutch.


Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
1st - 2nd @ 11 mph (18 km/h)
3rd - 4th @ 30 mph (48 km/h)




Last year drag racing I never got out of third in the 1/4 mile ~ 99 mph.
During normal freeway driving I never get into fifth gear below 55-60 mph.

Firedude

I shift between 3000 and 5000 RPM depending on how I feel. Normal everyday driving, 3500 is shift point for me. I would not lug it. The owners manual will have you close to lugging it.

Bingo

1500 RPM mostly. Hell, for 20+ mpg, I don't mind.

Firedude

Ouch! That's lugging it. Shifting at a lower RPM does not always equal better mileage. Think max torque range.

withinavoid

When first driving mine I would lugg it a bit and shift about 2500rpm. Now I'm driving it a bit more sporty and shift anywhere above 3000, and of course take it to redline once in a while to put a smile on my face.

Also, GregS2005GT, thanks for mentioning the 15mph 1st-downshift. For some reason I thought I had read 10mph in the manual back when, but just checked and you are right. Good to know since because of that I was keeping myself from even downshifting to 1st at all.

emperorjordan

lugging it by shifting at 1500 will net you worse gas milage than winding it out. Dont lug it.

Bingo

The key to fuel economy is to get the car into overdrive as soon as possible. Get in 5th by 35 mph, and you'll have some good economy.

300HPGT

I get better gas mileage when I shift about 1750 rpms and accelerate like grandma in a 4 banger. Plus I have now found that my clutch isnt damaged from downshifting at 30 mph into first for about 10,000 miles of driving hard when I first got the car but my syncro's are gone. Now with 50,000 miles on the clock I put her in neutral push in the clutch and go to put in 1st and it grinds every time. and when shifting into second same thing. I think I will have to rebuild the trans.

Reminisce

After using the little MPG up and down meter on the tripometer, I've found and measured that I get the best city gas mileage by getting to cruising speed as quickly as possible, as mentioned above. HOWEVER, 5th gear at like 30mph gets bad mileage... 38+ seems to be the entry to the sweet zone for decent mileage for those to and from work commutes.
On the weekends, however... I never shift below 3000, ever, lol.

Cleveland

actually you are somewhat wrong, efficiency of your powerband is the lead to fuel economy.

-Dan

Firedude

Your car is not liking you for this. Very hard on it. Not trying to get in a p@#$ing match here. Just trying to save your car.

Bingo

I'll take your advice. I just don't like hearing it wind out all the time. I'll shift around 2000 from now on and see how my economy goes.

OKCMustangGT

I shift about 3k, and according to my car have averaged 17.0 MPG for the 1750 miles I have drove the car. My driving is 100% city so far.

Stangette

This is my experiance with driving a Manual Roush Sport - 4500 miles on the Odometer.

The Owner Manual seems a bit low on the recommendation for upshifts 3rd gear and up. She will lug when shifting less than 1800 rpm during moderate acceleration.

4th gear is best on fuel economy for "cruising" above 38 mph as it is a 1:1.

Never downshift to 1st while the car is moving, second is adequate as long as one eases into the gas as she goes. These cars seem to like 1st only for taking off from a dead stop.

Shifting at 2000 rpm is fine for regular driving and sporty at 3000, yet still giving decent fuel economy.

Gibbo205

Hi there

Where is the rev limiter set at on these cars? 6000rpm or higher?

05GT-O.C.D.

Stock GT's 6k... but mine's at 6500

Firedude

Your car will love you again.