[sbkim]

This is my first manual car - yes, I am learning it on a Viper /images/graemlins/supergrin.gif Other than what is suggested in the manual what do you guys recommend in terms of shift points for both granny/aggressive driving:

1-2
2-3
3-4
5-6

Also the manual states that you shouldn't downshift more than 1 gear at a time. Is this really true? For example, let's say you are crusing at 80mph in 6th gear, so you should downshift to 5th... What about around 40mph in 4th gear? 2nd or 3rd?

Thanks

 

[Chip]

I have dropped to 3rd from 6th at 75-80 many times.....

Just get the feel of the car and you will learn to shift. When I am running hard, I shift when I get to the yellow on the tach. I have hit the rev limiter a few times.

Just becareful when downshifting that you make it to the right gear, the rev limiter will not help you when you do that.

One to becareful of is from 3rd to 4th. You can hit 2nd on accident really easy!!!

 

[Super Squirrel]

According to some of the racing events I've witnessed, I've always understood that downshifting is not necessarily good to slow the car down (if that's your primary purpose). using the gearbox to slow the car is always a 2nd option to the brakes.

 

[sbkim]

Thanks - I know all to well about 3rd/4th... my friend was showing me how to drive my car and missed it - I was going to ring his neck... Hopefully MGW shifter will help.

 

[Chip]

According to some of the racing events I've witnessed, I've always understood that downshifting is not necessarily good to slow the car down (if that's your primary purpose). using the gearbox to slow the car is always a 2nd option to the brakes.

I use it to go faster!!!!

 

[City]

SB:

There's really no method on the street. All that you read/hear relates to maximizing speed/traction on a road course.

You're only concern (as noted above) is allowing the motor to turn above 6,200 rpm. You cannot do this as long as the rev limiter is operative, which it IS while accelerating. It is NOT operative when downshifting. That is why the manual suggests that you don't downshift more than 1 gear at a time.

So, accelerate as you feel comfortable. Actually, the Viper is not a bad car to practice with from the standpoint that you have enough torque to "pull" you from 1st gear to 6th gear at virtually any speed above idle. I would venture to say that 3,000 rpm is a reasonable benchmark for a shiftpoint (as far as safety, comfort and powerband), but that is COMPLETELY subjective.

If you're going above 60 mph, you need to start being concerned with downshifting. You should probably start with shifting 1 gear at a time for practice anyway.

 

[sbkim]

citysnake,

excellent point - thanks!

 

[NOITALL]

yeah get rid of the stock shift knob ASAP!!

 

[plumcrazy]

I got rid of that stock knob right away....big difference.

I have downshifted from 5th doing 60-65 to 3rd with no trouble. I usually shift around 3K RPM's but when driving hard it is usually around 5500 RPM's

 

[E-Slab]

go to 55ish and shift into 2nd /images/graemlins/headbang.gif

 

[134]

I have downshifted from 5th doing 60-65 to 3rd with no trouble. I usually shift around 3K RPM's but when driving hard it is usually around 5500 RPM's

I do that all the time. I love that sound. Evryone just looks at you as you step on the peddle and leave them there as if they where nothing.

:bowdown:

 

[Chuck 98 RT10]

Save your motor on the street. Shift between 2K and 3K. Don't be afraid to put it in 6th and practically idle down the road at 50mph. Keeps the heat down and wears the motor much much less.

Get some track time (ViperDays.com) to really learn how to drive.

 

[sbkim]

Thanks again everyone. If you see a yellow GTS with tranny parts all over the highway, that's ME /images/graemlins/supergrin.gif

 

[MES]

To avoid the accidental 3-2 shift when going to 4th hold your elbow up off the center console an inch or so. This forces you to pull straight back, if your arm is tucked to your side you have a tendency to pull down and towards you, which is 2nd gear. I started doing this after I went into 2nd at about 110 MPH :doh:

 

[RedGTS]

sbkim, did you ever get some HID's?

 

[sbkim]

I have them just need to get home so I can install them. Got the 6000K Philips. Quality seems amazing and customer service was great. Let's just hope they work...

MES - thanks for the hint.