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Old 11-04-2007 | 02:15 PM
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zainanwar's Avatar
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shifting

hello. can anybody plz advice that how can I perfectly launch my 8 and what is the best rpm to shift from 2nd to 3rd and onwards.
Old 11-04-2007 | 02:20 PM
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launch? or just drive?

for the best launch rev to 8k rpm and ride the clutch out. and then simply shift at 9.3k rpm.

for normal driving, hold the clutch down and step on the gas. as you step on the gas, slowly let the clutch out. then shift at around 3k. or anywhere from 2.5k-3.5k. at 3.75k the secondary somethings (ports?) open so then you get reduced gas mileage.
Old 11-04-2007 | 02:20 PM
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It depends on how fast you're driving.
I usually shift somewhere between 3500 and 5500 for normal driving.
Old 11-04-2007 | 02:24 PM
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i bet you get awesome gas mileage.
Old 11-04-2007 | 02:31 PM
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There really isn't any way to get good mileage without using a different car.
My strategy is to stay out of traffic; avoid stop and go.
Old 11-04-2007 | 04:05 PM
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Bad gas mileage is just a sign you're driving it right.
Old 11-05-2007 | 08:52 AM
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I've gone from alway shifting at 3K, to shifting before 3.7, to shifting around or a little after 4 and haven't noticed a big difference in gas mileage. The only way to really see is measure it for yourself, since every car is different.

Try different methods, see which one works out.

Also, this is coming from someone who is suggesting launching at 8k. Which is a wonderful way to kill your clutch, or something else. If you are looking for a high sleep launch 4 to 5k is where you want to start. And something you shouldn't do everyday unless you don't mind replacing your clutch somewhat often.

Hell, I start spinning wheels if I clutch too fast in a mid 3K launch.
Old 11-05-2007 | 11:31 AM
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yup, i just put it to 4k, let the clutch out kind of slow, then shift at 9, since the tach reading is 500 rpms higher than the actual rpms, that was a buzzkill for me
Old 11-05-2007 | 12:23 PM
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can anyone tell me that why isn't it best to launch at the full rpm ( at the fuel cutoff) . or y isn't it gud to change the gear at the fuel cutoff. I dnt mind the gas milage. I want speed. thankx in advance
Old 11-05-2007 | 12:25 PM
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clutch failure? transmission failure? that puts a HUGE amount of stress on your transmission and your clutch.
Old 11-05-2007 | 12:29 PM
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Launching - wear and tear on the clutch and tires. If you drop the hammer all you will do is spin out anyway; plus put a ton of wear on your clutch. For max speed you want to launch right at the limit of the grip of your tires (think a few slips and your off). But tht is way easier said than done.
Old 11-05-2007 | 02:26 PM
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I think kersh4w was kidding, don't clutch dump from 8k...


For a fast start 5k seems to get the job done, and you'll usually hold 4-5k as the clutch fully engages.. For normal driving I start at 3.5-4k or else it tends to dip when it engages..
Old 11-05-2007 | 05:40 PM
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3k-4k? It seems to me some of you are missing the point of th ecar.

When driving as slow as traffic can force me to I MAY shift that low, but based on how hard I'm pushing on the gas pedal I'm shifting anywhere from 4k-9k...
Old 11-05-2007 | 05:57 PM
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I'm talking about engaging into 1st.. After that the RPM is usually as high as conditions will allow..

If I go further than a mile or two, I'll get at least one redline.. But traffic is just always in the way, onramps are great...
Old 11-05-2007 | 06:04 PM
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I just drop the clutch at 8k and let her rip..then shift into second at 4k and 3rd at 5k.
Old 11-05-2007 | 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by kersh4w
then shift at around 3k. or anywhere from 2.5k-3.5k. at 3.75k the secondary somethings (ports?) open so then you get reduced gas mileage.
I tried doing that for the first year... then I decided I wasn't forking over the 8's monthly payment to drive along shifting a rotary engine at 2.5k-3.5k trying to save gas.

Around town I usually keep it a 3.5k and shift around 6000rpm. It only sees 2.5k when I'm on long road trips... it's true that on long distance you can see the benefit from keeping the 3.7k ports from opening.

I remember reading about a club member who changed his "cruising rpm" from 2.5k to 3.5k and reported increasing his fuel mileage, which according to him was from keeping the engine closer to it's optimum performance/fuel economy sweet spot rather than having it in semi-bogging state at 2.5k.

Moreover, I think working the "mid range" more often can be beneficial from the carbon deposit point of view, instead of having it 80% of the time a 2.5k and revving it to 9k once or twice per ride which ends up being what, a handful of seconds?

Originally Posted by Revvittupp
3k-4k? It seems to me some of you are missing the point of the car.
+1

Nothing scientific or judgemental here, just my 2 cents

Last edited by Mendossa; 11-05-2007 at 06:16 PM.
Old 07-30-2009 | 03:46 PM
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I bought my RX8 about 2 weeks ago (still trying to find the sweet spot)...

Cruising, I was at 4,000 and was amazed at how fast my gas was disappearing... granted, I knew this car would guzzle gas, but driving to work everyday and using more then a 1/4 tank for the trip killed me....

I did change my habits and started shifting at 4 (with the occasional 7,8,9)and have been cruising at 2.5 or 3 and noticed a big difference in gm.

Keep in mind, I ride on the ever-so unpredictable highway, so cruising includes stop-and-go.
Old 07-30-2009 | 09:24 PM
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ahh...3 yr old revivals they are the best!
Old 07-30-2009 | 09:25 PM
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ok 2 yrs
Old 07-30-2009 | 09:26 PM
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The best way to drive is to shift at 12,000 RPMs each time. Try it and tell me how it feels.
Old 07-30-2009 | 09:35 PM
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pfft, i like revivals!
Old 07-30-2009 | 09:41 PM
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Shift when you hear the beep. Cruise in the highest gear that doesn't take you below 3k. And don't forget to do double-clutch drops to third or second for unnecessary acceleration when passing.
Old 07-30-2009 | 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Marklar
Shift when you hear the beep. Cruise in the highest gear that doesn't take you below 3k. And don't forget to do double-clutch drops to third or second for unnecessary acceleration when passing.
Mine doesn't beep....
Old 07-30-2009 | 11:00 PM
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When you start to lift off the ground, shift to 3rd, then hit the NOS.
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