I have two questions that I would like to ask MT drivers!
1) When do you up-shift your manual FJ? If you care, please elaborate on your shifting habits!
2) Do you find the reverse gear ratio to be a little high?
I noticed the other day how constant my driving and shifting habits have become over the years. This is basically my habit;
-When I accelerate under normal conditions on level road, I almost always upshift at 3,000 RPM. This takes the engine RPM back down almost exactly by 1,000 RPM to about 2,000 RPM and then I accelerate to 3,000 RPM again before upshifting again.
-I find the acceleration from 2000 to 3000 rpm to be the most comfortable and efficient. When I am merging or overtaking, or going uphills, I accelerate up to 4000rpm. Rarely, when I am carrying a car full of people and/or towing, I go up to 5000. I can probably count on two hands the times I ever went past that during the whole time I've owned the car since 2008!
-I usually like to cruise at just about 60mph which is also at 2000 RPM in 6th gear. I find 60mph/2,000rpm to be the most comfortable cruising spot for my FJ, so I usually find myself driving at this speed whether the posted limit is 55 or 65. Yep, I actually drive a little slower than the speed limit if there is no reason for me to hurry! When the speed limit goes higher I do drive a little faster, just to be safe.
About the reverse, I've often felt like the reverse gearing is way to high for practical use. As a result I find myself using the clutch a lot because I never actually fully let the clutch engage in reverse.
Does anyone with a MT feel this way?
1) When do you up-shift your manual FJ? If you care, please elaborate on your shifting habits!
2) Do you find the reverse gear ratio to be a little high?
I noticed the other day how constant my driving and shifting habits have become over the years. This is basically my habit;
-When I accelerate under normal conditions on level road, I almost always upshift at 3,000 RPM. This takes the engine RPM back down almost exactly by 1,000 RPM to about 2,000 RPM and then I accelerate to 3,000 RPM again before upshifting again.
-I find the acceleration from 2000 to 3000 rpm to be the most comfortable and efficient. When I am merging or overtaking, or going uphills, I accelerate up to 4000rpm. Rarely, when I am carrying a car full of people and/or towing, I go up to 5000. I can probably count on two hands the times I ever went past that during the whole time I've owned the car since 2008!
-I usually like to cruise at just about 60mph which is also at 2000 RPM in 6th gear. I find 60mph/2,000rpm to be the most comfortable cruising spot for my FJ, so I usually find myself driving at this speed whether the posted limit is 55 or 65. Yep, I actually drive a little slower than the speed limit if there is no reason for me to hurry! When the speed limit goes higher I do drive a little faster, just to be safe.
About the reverse, I've often felt like the reverse gearing is way to high for practical use. As a result I find myself using the clutch a lot because I never actually fully let the clutch engage in reverse.
Does anyone with a MT feel this way?
