Sweet Spot for Shifting

**kharris** · 10-23-2011 08:44 PM

Hey guys, just got my WRX last Weekend and i was just wondering what RPM's you guys were shifting at. Feedback is greatly appreciated

Thanks

**SD_GR** · 10-23-2011 08:51 PM

In general: The car does not matter.

To go frugally, shift as early as possible without lugging.

To go quickly, shift so that the needle is always between the RPM of max torque on the low end and the RPM of max power on the high end.

**wrx1234** · 10-24-2011 05:20 AM

when vtech kicks in yo.

**lokey** · 10-24-2011 06:21 AM

Generally speaking, of course: Normal driving, ~3000. Spirited driving, ~ 6500.

**SpekN9ne** · 10-24-2011 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by lokey

Generally speaking, of course: Normal driving, ~3000. Spirited driving, ~ 6500.

Yup, that about sums it up

**mutedsound** · 10-24-2011 11:02 AM

Just make sure to not shift at over 9000. and don't drive 88. ever.

**Mikie13** · 10-24-2011 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by mutedsound

Just make sure to not shift at over 9000. and don't drive 88. ever.

1.21 gigawatts

***RayfieldsWRX*** · 10-24-2011 11:46 AM

Completely dependent upon the situation.
Mosying around a neighborhood:2500-3000
"Normal" driving:3000-3500
Engaging hyperdrive:5000-6000.

It keeps making power to 7000, but I rarely need to do that.

**philipho** · 10-26-2011 07:45 AM

if you are always shifting at ~6500 (which is the max rpm for my 08 wrx), will it cause damage to the engine? or the engine is made to endure such high rpms?

**teflon_jones** · 10-26-2011 08:42 AM

There's a redline for a reason. If it damaged the engine, the manufacturer wouldn't let you rev it that high.

**Mikie13** · 10-26-2011 08:54 AM

More revs over an extremely long period of time will certainly put more "normal" wear on the engine because it's added stress...no reason to shift "always" at 6500. However, the redline is a redline for a reason because after that point, you are stressing the engine (and the rest of the driveline) much more than necessary

**in_odium** · 10-26-2011 09:33 AM

The way I always figure out my sweet spot is by finding where I can shift without the use of the clutch, be warned it is potentially hazardous to your drive train if you do it wrong. Be warned that I am not recommending you try this or claim any responsibility for your actions.... however in my 07 5 spd it is right at 2500 revs.

**EJ257** · 10-26-2011 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by philipho

if you are always shifting at ~6500 (which is the max rpm for my 08 wrx), will it cause damage to the engine? or the engine is made to endure such high rpms?

If you're always shifting at 6500, you're a toolbag

Originally Posted by RayfieldsWRX

Completely dependent upon the situation.
Mosying around a neighborhood:2500-3000
"Normal" driving:3000-3500
Engaging hyperdrive:5000-6000.

I'm similar. Until my oil temp gauge is up to operating temp, 3K. After that, 3500-4K (I like to drive in the powerband). If I want to hear the EWG, 5500-6500.

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