'97 manual tranny (obviously).

 

What are the recommended RPM's for shifting between gears? I know some cars are designed to shift w/ higher RPM's and can be damaged/worn prematurely with low-rev shifts, and vice-versa.

 

On a different note, I just got 29mpg with four people (and assorted weekend crap) in the car, and four surfboards on the roof! I love this thing!

Normal driving, I would go for about 3000rpm from 1st to 2nd. From then on, 3500rpm seems good. Cruising at the city limit of 33mph is usually done in 3rd gear, unless there is long flat stretch, maybe slightly downhill, in which case I would select 4th. 5th is for 55 and above only.

 

Don't attempt any increase in speed with less than 2000rpm in gears higher than 1st or 2nd. If you must accelerate from such a low engine speed in 3rd, don't floor the gas pedal, press it slowly and smoothly downward.

 

 

Don't feel guity about wringing the needle up to 6000rpm, these engines thrive on it ;-)

 

Just make sure your oil and coolant are good !

See that red zone on the tachometer? Shift right befor that

FWIW:

 

In my manual, it gives the shift points based on speed, not RPM. Something to the effect that "for maximum fuel efficiency":

 

1st to 2nd at 15mph

2nd to 3rd at 25mph

3rd to 4th at 40mph

4th to 5th at 45mph