At what rpm do you shift from 1st to 2nd?

[benkelly13]

I drive a 1987 924s every day and I have noticed that no matter how and when I shift to second it's hard to let out the clutch smoothly. I have also noticed it in every 944 and 924 video on the Internet I have seen. I was just wondering at what rpm other people using these as daily drivers shift at.

[flash968]

try not pushing down so far on the pedal. going from first to second i generally only move the pedal about an inch.

[v2rocket_aka944]

its more a timing thing between your foot movements than an rpm thing.

i can shift just as smoothly at 2500rpm as 6500rpm and anywhere/any throttle in between.

[Rasta Monsta]

Odd problem.

I probably get up to 5k or so in first driving around. . .but then I also run up second and end up going 1-2-4.

[Sehrgut]

What v-2 and Rasta said. Depends on the situation. Remember - Practice makes permanent. Good luck with the shifting thing.

[sausagehacker]

~3500, sometimes the shift is crisp and sometimes it takes a second or so for the synchro to catch on. In my car it seems to be a function of the gear oil temp primarily.

[DannoXYZ]

I shift to 2nd anywhere between 5mph to 35mph. Don't forget to match RPMs with the right foot. For example, these two different shifts:

1st -> 2nd @ 20mph

• rev up 1st gear to 20mph, 3800rpms
• step in clutch & let up revs to 2200rpms and hold while shifting to 2nd
• let out clutch. Notice revs doesn't change much.
• step down throttle

1st -> 2nd @ 30mph

• rev up 1st gear to 30mph, 5700rpms
• step in clutch & let up revs to 3500rpms and hold while shifting to 2nd
• let out clutch. Notice revs doesn't change much.
• step down throttle

The trick is to match the engine revs to what the resultant revs would be in the next gear before you let out the clutch. Then flywheel & clutch-disc would be at the same speed and the synchros don't have to force the engine up or down to match. If you do this rev-matching cleanly, you can even shift without using the clutch at all.

[jcommin]

I try to shift to the tach 3000-4000 rpm. I don't have any problem shifting at any rpm. I can go from 3 to 4 w/o using the clutch too.

[benkelly13]

I played with it a little today and it is alot easier shifting at a higher rpm. I'm use to driving vehicles you shift around 2500 rpm, but it is easier around 3500rpm. Part of my problem is that I wear a size 13 shoe and I have to where my work boots driving it to work every morning. Lol

[benkelly13]

Another of my problems is that my exhaust vibrates at 2500-3000 rpm so I try to shift before then to avoid embarrassment. Lol I have a whole new exhaust system ordered I'm just waiting for it to come in.

[DannoXYZ]

Check your balance-shafts' timing as well.

[Tom944]

The smoothness of your shift can depend on how well the engine idles. Once I had fixed an intake manifold leak, wires, plugs etc. my 87 shifted from first to second much, much smoother. The idle was never terrible but getting the engine running better will have a huge effect on the shift from first to second.

[thomasryan]

Lol, about 15mph but I drive like an old man until 3rd....then I am 22.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by benkelly13

I played with it a little today and it is alot easier shifting at a higher rpm. I'm use to driving vehicles you shift around 2500 rpm, but it is easier around 3500rpm. Part of my problem is that I wear a size 13 shoe and I have to where my work boots driving it to work every morning. Lol

with my size 13/14s i can shift from 3-4 without any perceptible change in running smoothness.

make sure your shift linkage is lubed up, working right etc and get your timing right

[sausagehacker]

I wear size 13s and my 944 is way easier to shift than a lot of other cars. I was driving a friend's e36 and was hitting about everything else besides the clutch pedal.

[JonA]

I can shift my 924S up to second at about any rpm and the engine responds smoothly. You have an engine issue, maybe vacuum leak or some tuning issue. Start with the basics, the simple stuff.

Jon

[flash968]

i find one of the keys to a smooth shift is not to push much on the clutch pedal. i push only enough to release the tension on the shifter and change gears.

[AaronM]

Originally Posted by flash968

i find one of the keys to a smooth shift is not to push much on the clutch pedal. i push only enough to release the tension on the shifter and change gears.

If you don't mind putting a ****-ton of extra wear on your synchros, this is great advice.

Those of us who don't want to have to tear down the transaxle every 50,000 miles or so would benefit from releasing the clutch completely for each shift.

Your recommendation is basically that, instead of completely disengaging the clutch, he let is slip a little and force the synchros to overcome the clutch drag. This is hard on the clutch and, more critically, hard on the synchros. It's a ridiculously terrible idea for someone who drives the car every day.

[Rasta Monsta]

Originally Posted by AaronM

If you don't mind putting a ****-ton of extra wear on your synchros, this is great advice.

+10

Note to self: never let flash drive your car.

[porscheport]

Originally Posted by thomasryan

Lol, about 15mph but I drive like an old man until 3rd....then I am 22.

LOL!! Likewise for me. I have no idea what it's like to redline an engine.

I'm too easy on my cars but 3rd gear? Then the fun begins. Once in a while 2nd gear gets a bit of a work out but I like the 944 because it has enough torque to short shift.