ChrisS4

When is the best time to shift in each gear? For example, when is the best time to shift from 1st-2nd? Someone said that it is best to go to red line, but no way with the S4, you want to be where the toruqe is.

Let me tell you, I was trying to hit 120mph the other day in 4th gear, but as the car reaches the high rpms, I feel the power starting to fade, I was able to hit 120mph much easier in 5th gear. 5th actually feels like it pulls harder than 4th, because you are getting more torque in 5th at around 100mph than you are in 4th. Has anyone else noted this? Please let me know what shifts give the best times. Also, the red line on the tach seems to be the limiter, I think that is why I am always hiting it.

Brian@P.O.G.

fall off, thats when you should shift or soon there after. Just go out and drive. As far as when I shift, to be honest, I never really look at the tach. I do it all by feel and sound. You just need to learn your machine.

Brian

esfor

ouch. it is NOT best to go to redline. youve got plenty of torque down low, use it!

InternetBrands

...off by that point. I found anything over 6k isn't worth holding out for. The gearbox is pretty close ratio anyway, go up one and you're smack in the meaty part of it. The only time I hit the limiter is occasionally in an autocross situation at the end of a fast bit, just before braking. Not worth the upshift in that case, since I'll lose any benefit when I have to downshift again. Of course, i'm not anywhere near your 100mph example either...

muppco

That's a real good way to shorten the life of you engine.

RR

Doubt it. They put the rev limiter at it's specific level to prevent damage.