shift points

[theycallmeebryan]

In my saturn Sl1, i shift between 2000-2300, because thats where the BSFC curve peaks. I have a vacuum gauge installed and accelerate at approximately 2-4 mmHg vacuum (which equals to about 75% load). I've seen a noticeable improvement by doing this.

As others have said, the object is to keep your motor within its most efficient operating range when you need to accelerate. With most engines, the most efficient point is around 75% load and at the rpm range where peak torque is produced. Once you reach cruising speed, you should be in the highest gear. If you want to P&G, you should be in that operating range explained above for the pulse cycle.... and gear will vary depending on your speed.

[FastNLoose]

I have a 96 Saturn SC1 5sp. When I first got it I shifted at 2000rpms. It made for a long boring ride and I prob averaged around 40mpg. One day I remembered that engines are most efficient around the peak torque, so i looked it up for the Saturn, 2400rpms. Now I shift at 3000 and the rpms drop to 2000, so I am in the " powerband ". I probably use half throttle in first but use full throttle in second and third. Many times I will skip forth and go straight to fifth between 50 and 55mph. I still get an average around 40mpgs per tank.

[Christ]

Back your application off to about 70% throttle, watch your mpg go up. WOT is fuel enrichment mode, and t runs rich.