[ihavefat]

Hi everyone, I just have some questions about shifting on my 2012 Mustang GT. I only drove a manual transmission car for about 2 weeks then after a year or so, I got my Mustang.

A friend of mine who has been driving manual for a while taught me it really doesn't matter which RPM you shift, you just need to listen to the sound of the engine. I think this is true to a certain extent....or maybe not.

If any of the questions (or most of them) have been answered, can anyone provide me with links to the thread? I appreciate y'alls help in advance!!



Daily Driving

1. Which RPM do you normally shift? If I am going really slow, I usually do 2k rpm. So if the rpm doesn't go over 2k, I just stay in that gear. If I am going slightly faster, I shift just before 3k. I might be wrong but it seemed the smoothest when I shift just before 3k.

2. Which gear do you drive in when driving in the neighborhood? I usually do 3rd, if I am going slightly fast. But I noticed if I'm going under 20, I start to hear something if I am in 3rd. So I just driving in 2nd.

Sometimes I drive through neighborhoods where the bumps are thin but a bit tall. I keep my gear in 1st and gently drive over it. The speedometer needle almost hits 0.

**I noticed I have to drive over speed bumps (big or small) slowly or I will hear some clunking noise (sometimes). Has anyone experienced this? My car is brand new. I could drive over bumps faster without making any clunking noise on a Camry (family car).

3. When cruising around the city, let's say the speed limit is 40, do you drive in 5th gear to conserve fuel?

4. I am aware of the Skip Shift 1-4 on my Mustang. I don't mind having it, but I noticed the car jerks unless I hold the clutch slightly in for a bit longer than usual. Is this normal or is it my inexperience in shifting in manual transmission?

5. I heard people skipping shifts like 1-3-5 or 2-4-6 to conserve fuel. When is it the appropriate time to skip shifts?

Redlining/Racing

I am not planning on tracking or anything, but I ask because I know during the break in time, it doesn't hurt to redline the car once in a while.

1. I tried redlining today. I felt as if it was impossible to shift to 2nd. What am I doing wrong?

2. My car doesn't have My Color so it doesn't turn red when I redline it. I feel it's hard to keep my eyes on the road and look at the tachometer at the same time.


Other questions:

1.Do eqiupments like Raptor shift light help? For both DD and redlining?

2.Is there a better product? I noticed there is single and dual types for Raptor Shift light, what's the difference?

3. I feel my stock shifter is a bit notchy. But when my friend (he's been driving stick for a while), he said compared to his WRX, my stock shifter is pretty good that I don't really need a short shifter. Also when he was driving my car (showing me some techniques), it didn't seem like the shifter was being notchy. Am I not applying enough pressure when shifting??

[Mach Stang]

simple answer is to just shift around 3K on every day driving. the higher the RPMs, the more fuel used, the more jerky the car is on shifts, plus it sounds retarded to be pushing 5 grand and be going 20mph. skipping though is a personal preference. drive how you feel is comfortable and listen to the car

oh and the bumping noise, thats the car hitting the ground, thats normal on mustangs lol

now racing style, you had problems shifting into second because you are being locked out. you gotta power shift to prevent the rpms from doping to much.

[zinc02GT]

Originally Posted by ihavefat Hi everyone, I just have some questions about shifting on my 2012 Mustang GT. I only drove a manual transmission car for about 2 weeks then after a year or so, I got my Mustang. A friend of mine who has been driving manual for a while taught me it really doesn't matter which RPM you shift, you just need to listen to the sound of the engine. I think this is true to a certain extent....or maybe not. If any of the questions (or most of them) have been answered, can anyone provide me with links to the thread? I appreciate y'alls help in advance!! Daily Driving 1. Which RPM do you normally shift? If I am going really slow, I usually do 2k rpm. So if the rpm doesn't go over 2k, I just stay in that gear. If I am going slightly faster, I shift just before 3k. I might be wrong but it seemed the smoothest when I shift just before 3k. 2. Which gear do you drive in when driving in the neighborhood? I usually do 3rd, if I am going slightly fast. But I noticed if I'm going under 20, I start to hear something if I am in 3rd. So I just driving in 2nd. Sometimes I drive through neighborhoods where the bumps are thin but a bit tall. I keep my gear in 1st and gently drive over it. The speedometer needle almost hits 0. **I noticed I have to drive over speed bumps (big or small) slowly or I will hear some clunking noise (sometimes). Has anyone experienced this? My car is brand new. I could drive over bumps faster without making any clunking noise on a Camry (family car). 3. When cruising around the city, let's say the speed limit is 40, do you drive in 5th gear to conserve fuel? 4. I am aware of the Skip Shift 1-4 on my Mustang. I don't mind having it, but I noticed the car jerks unless I hold the clutch slightly in for a bit longer than usual. Is this normal or is it my inexperience in shifting in manual transmission? 5. I heard people skipping shifts like 1-3-5 or 2-4-6 to conserve fuel. When is it the appropriate time to skip shifts? Redlining/Racing I am not planning on tracking or anything, but I ask because I know during the break in time, it doesn't hurt to redline the car once in a while. 1. I tried redlining today. I felt as if it was impossible to shift to 2nd. What am I doing wrong? 2. My car doesn't have My Color so it doesn't turn red when I redline it. I feel it's hard to keep my eyes on the road and look at the tachometer at the same time. Other questions: 1.Do eqiupments like Raptor shift light help? For both DD and redlining? 2.Is there a better product? I noticed there is single and dual types for Raptor Shift light, what's the difference? 3. I feel my stock shifter is a bit notchy. But when my friend (he's been driving stick for a while), he said compared to his WRX, my stock shifter is pretty good that I don't really need a short shifter. Also when he was driving my car (showing me some techniques), it didn't seem like the shifter was being notchy. Am I not applying enough pressure when shifting??

This is all dependent upon which axle ratio you got. 3.31, 3.55. or 3.73. You can check this on you door sill sticker. It will have a two letter code (GG [3.31's]) that will tell you the rear axle ratio.

1. I had 3.31's in mine at first. I shifted at around 2500 give or take a few hunder for regular driving. I would normally skip 4th gear.

2. I cruise in 4th gear when I'm at about 30mph or in neighborhoods. It keeps the echo down too.

*Your car sits lower that your old Camry. What you are hearing is more than likely exhaust tapping the bump or it could be the TSB for a bad batch of lower control arms.

3. 5th gear is normally about a good cruising gear for 40mph with most of the gear ratios

4. You need to learn to feather the clutch. It all about controlling your left foot to ease out the shift smoothness. Don't ride the clutch or give it gas prior. It just takes practice.

5. You need to learn your cars RPM's in each gear and find out for yourself. Like stated above, I like to skip 4th gear is possible just cruising around. It's just a personal preference since 4th and 5th are so close anyway.

R/R

1. You should shift right at 7k. You just have to learn where it is and listen for it. When you can hear your car close to that range glance quickly and you should be able to estimate where that is based off the quick glance and how fast the needle is climbing. It'll be easier with more practice.

2. Look at 1.

-

1. Only in a racing application where you have raised the rev limiter to a point where the stocker gauge cluster is no longer efficient for your own eyes. Mine goes to 7400rpm with my tune and Boss Intake, but I see no problem with how mine is.

2. Don't care for shift lights. Normally the single light itself is more than efficient.

3. You have to glide it with your hand and wrist when just driving around. Racing is balls to the wall/who gives a fuck ya know? The stock shifter has alot of slop after feeling a stocker compared to mine. I have the Barton Short Throw with the shifter bracket. You will need to research this yourself.

[ihavefat]

simple answer is to just shift around 3K on every day driving. the higher the RPMs, the more fuel used, the more jerky the car is on shifts, plus it sounds retarded to be pushing 5 grand and be going 20mph. skipping though is a personal preference. drive how you feel is comfortable and listen to the car oh and the bumping noise, thats the car hitting the ground, thats normal on mustangs lol now racing style, you had problems shifting into second because you are being locked out. you gotta power shift to prevent the rpms from doping to much.

I'm sorry for my noobness...but what do you mean 5 grand?

As for the bumping noise, doesn't hitting the ground damage/wear out the car lol ??

This is all dependent upon which axle ratio you got. 3.31, 3.55. or 3.73. You can check this on you door sill sticker. It will have a two letter code (GG [3.31's]) that will tell you the rear axle ratio. 1. I had 3.31's in mine at first. I shifted at around 2500 give or take a few hunder for regular driving. I would normally skip 4th gear. 2. I cruise in 4th gear when I'm at about 30mph or in neighborhoods. It keeps the echo down too. *Your car sits lower that your old Camry. What you are hearing is more than likely exhaust tapping the bump or it could be the TSB for a bad batch of lower control arms. 3. 5th gear is normally about a good cruising gear for 40mph with most of the gear ratios 4. You need to learn to feather the clutch. It all about controlling your left foot to ease out the shift smoothness. Don't ride the clutch or give it gas prior. It just takes practice. 5. You need to learn your cars RPM's in each gear and find out for yourself. Like stated above, I like to skip 4th gear is possible just cruising around. It's just a personal preference since 4th and 5th are so close anyway. R/R 1. You should shift right at 7k. You just have to learn where it is and listen for it. When you can hear your car close to that range glance quickly and you should be able to estimate where that is based off the quick glance and how fast the needle is climbing. It'll be easier with more practice. 2. Look at 1. - 1. Only in a racing application where you have raised the rev limiter to a point where the stocker gauge cluster is no longer efficient for your own eyes. Mine goes to 7400rpm with my tune and Boss Intake, but I see no problem with how mine is. 2. Don't care for shift lights. Normally the single light itself is more than efficient. 3. You have to glide it with your hand and wrist when just driving around. Racing is balls to the wall/who gives a fuck ya know? The stock shifter has alot of slop after feeling a stocker compared to mine. I have the Barton Short Throw with the shifter bracket. You will need to research this yourself.

I just checked and nothing is listed under options so I am going to assume it's 3.31.

When you say you skip 4th, do you mean 1-2-3-5?

If 5th gear is a good cruising speed, when do you use 6th? I tried using 6th going around 50mph. Is that bad?

I think I will keep the stock shifter and see how it does.


Thank you everyone for the input. I'm just so new at mustangs....and cars in general lol!

[101fng]

You just need more experience driving a manual transmission. Others have different driving styles and will give you different advice for DDing

[Dolbs4082]

Drive time my friend. I went from driving my 01 (cable clutch) and tried driving my buddies 08 GT/CS (hydraulic clutch) and it was SOOO different. just get in and drive! haha Enjoy the mustang!

[zinc02GT]

Originally Posted by ihavefat I'm sorry for my noobness...but what do you mean 5 grand? As for the bumping noise, doesn't hitting the ground damage/wear out the car lol ?? I just checked and nothing is listed under options so I am going to assume it's 3.31. When you say you skip 4th, do you mean 1-2-3-5? If 5th gear is a good cruising speed, when do you use 6th? I tried using 6th going around 50mph. Is that bad? I think I will keep the stock shifter and see how it does. Thank you everyone for the input. I'm just so new at mustangs....and cars in general lol!

I normally shift 1-2-3-5-6 (if I get to a high enough speed)

I use 6th when I know I'll be at or past 55mph or so for an extended period of time.

[WickedSnake00]

Originally Posted by ihavefat I'm sorry for my noobness...but what do you mean 5 grand? As for the bumping noise, doesn't hitting the ground damage/wear out the car lol ?? When you say you skip 4th, do you mean 1-2-3-5? If 5th gear is a good cruising speed, when do you use 6th? I tried using 6th going around 50mph. Is that bad? Thank you everyone for the input. I'm just so new at mustangs....and cars in general lol!

5 grand = 5000 RPM

Yes, hitting the ground is bad. Look under the car and you will know for sure if you've been hitting things. It's pretty obvious.

I'm assuming yes, he means skipping 1-2-3-5.
As far as skip shifting goes, I personally only do it when gears are way too close. For instance, take a truck with an Eaton 10 speed. If you're running unloaded, no way you need to shift that much, you can easily skip shift. If you are loaded, you need to use all those gears to stay around torque peak. It's personal preference.

Generally if you're cruising (flat land) try to keep your RPM's above 1300. This of course varies by engine, some you can get more agressive down to 1000, some need higher. You can feel it out, but remember this is for steady state cruise, no accelerating. If you want to speed up you're very low on the torque curve and will probably need to downshift.

It certainly sounds like you're very new to manuals in general. Just get some seat time, that's the best way to fix it. Before you know it you'll be banging gears like a pro.

[roosgt!]

Depends on which car im in but I use my integra for dd and i shift around 2200 rpms and in my mustang around 2k since it has more power and gets to speed easier.
For the track when i race i basically bang gears like i stole the thing shifting around 5500 but on the new tune and setup I'm gonna shift around 6300.

[ReverendDexter]

Zip has a really good write-up on shifting.

Here's a slightly different thoughts that may help you get a better feel for how to shift:

Don't focus on the shift rpm, focus on what rpm shifting causes you to end up at.

In other words, don't think about shifting out of first at 3k, think about shifting so that you come into 2nd at 2k.

Think about the torque curve of your engine. Where does it peak? Does it significantly drop off up top? What's the minimum rpm you need to be able to cruise without lugging the engine? A rough rule-of-thumb is that cruising rpm is whatever the car is at when doing 60mph in high gear. With newer cars, you might have better luck with your rpm at 70mph.

For a couple real world examples, with my 5.0, peak torque is 3k-3500 rpm, but I only need 1500 rpm to cruise, and I can run it down around 1000-1200 rpm without lugging it. So when I'm just cruising, I shift so that I come into the next gear at 1500 rpm or so (which makes my shift point around 2500), and when I'm hard on it, I shift so that I come into the next gear between 3k and 3500.

With the Cobra I used to have, peak torque was something like 4900 rpm, cruising rpm was around 2200, and it'd lug pretty much anywhere under 2k. Cruising I'd shift around 3500, and getting on it I'd shift at 6500+.

Where this concept is probably more important is downshifting. You need to be aware of how much of an rpm increase you're going to get dropping a gear, as you certainly never want to come into that gear above redline!

Drive more, and you'll get a feel for where the engine "likes" to be.

[1996 GT]

Originally Posted by Dolbs4082 Drive time my friend. I went from driving my 01 (cable clutch) and tried driving my buddies 08 GT/CS (hydraulic clutch) and it was SOOO different. just get in and drive! haha Enjoy the mustang!

Is it weird i prefer driving with a cable clutch? I like how i get a better feel.

Im usually in 4th around 40mph. Mind you have 3.73's.

[Mach Stang]

I hate hydrolic clutches, especially for long drives. As smooth as it is, i dont need it to slip more and more the hotter it gets. though i never driven a cable clutch car before.

[Stangluvr1970]

As everyone said, nothing but more seat time is needed. You'll do fine. I have 3.73s and not sure how much that matters compared to your car. Your friend is right, soon you'll recognize when it's time to shift without seeing the RPMs or speed. You'll become in-tune with the engine.

But until then just remember the basics...

20 Mph- 2nd gear
30 Mph- 3rd gear
40 Mph- 4th gear
50 Mph- 5th gear
60 Mph- 6th gear

I don't hit 6th until I'm doing about 70+ on the highway however...
Enjoy the new car!

[03_StangGuy]

You'll learn to feel where the car wants to be. If you too low in the rpm range, below 1500 rpm or so the car will struggle/hesitate. You wanna keep the rpm as low as you need for fuel economy.

[ReverendDexter]

Originally Posted by 03_StangGuy You'll learn to feel where the car wants to be. If you too low in the rpm range, below 1500 rpm or so the car will struggle/hesitate. You wanna keep the rpm as low as you need for fuel economy.

This isn't really true. Your fuel economy is much more tied to your throttle position. The less air coming into the motor, the less fuel you need. It's why you're better off when going up a hill to be at a higher rpm in a lower gear where you only need partial throttle to maintain your speed than it is to be in a higher gear at a lower rpm but floored.

[03_StangGuy]

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter This isn't really true. Your fuel economy is much more tied to your throttle position. The less air coming into the motor, the less fuel you need. It's why you're better off when going up a hill to be at a higher rpm in a lower gear where you only need partial throttle to maintain your speed than it is to be in a higher gear at a lower rpm but floored.

Thats what I was trying to say by saying as low as you NEED. If the RPM is too low for the hill your climbing the car will hesitate and wont accelerate very strong. I

[nicksranger01]

Originally Posted by Mach Stang I hate hydrolic clutches, especially for long drives. As smooth as it is, i dont need it to slip more and more the hotter it gets. though i never driven a cable clutch car before.

My old toyota was a hydrolic clutch and i replaced the slave cylinder 4 times, now i went to driving the cable on the mustang and i love the feel way more the the toyota it feels way more grabby