Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Metzler
Bill,
Thanks for the plot -- it helps me understand your point. Here is why I disagree:
To get maximum acceleration, at any given speed you want to choose the gear that provides the maximum thrust at the wheels AT THAT SPEED. It does not matter that for speeds >110 mph (eyeballing your plot), the net thrust in 4th is less than the maximum net thrust in 5th (reached at ~80 mph). At 110 mph you are not going 80 mph, and the thrust in 4th at 110 mph is greater than the thrust in 5th at 110 mph. Stay in 4th!! In fact, stay there until the thrust curves cross, which, in terms of RPM, will be independent of aero or final drive ratio. Final drive will change the SPEED at which you should shift, but not the RPM. Aero will change neither.
Best Regards,
Mike
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You're right, I forgot that I was looking at a speed vs thrust chart,