When is the best point, rpm, to change gear for maximum acceleration?
I know maximum power is at 4,000 rpm so is it best to change at this point? The rev counter turns red at 5,000 rpm so would holding on be better?
When is the best point, rpm, to change gear for maximum acceleration?
I know maximum power is at 4,000 rpm so is it best to change at this point? The rev counter turns red at 5,000 rpm so would holding on be better?
in order to accurately answer this you will need to know 2 things.
1. The engine power / torque curve
2. Gear ratios
The ideal point is where the torque at the wheels in the next gear up is just higher than the available torque in the current gear.
it is normally just where the torque tails off near to max revs
Thanks Ste. So it's more about the torque than the bhp?
torque is what accelerates the car, not power directly
If you have a standard car then I would change at about 4000 as it dies quickly after that but a tuned one I'd usually hold until around 4750.
Standard, company, car. I thought it would be best to change at a touch over 4,000 rpm. It does tend to die much above this.
I would say a touch over 4k is you want to keep the revs close to the powerband...the high torque's help get the car going initially as its all about inertia.
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