5500-6000 RPM shifting - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

boxsterdude · 03-17-2005, 10:02 PM

1st time Boxster owner. Just wanted to know where most of you shift. I was told to always shift between 5500-6000 RPMs. Does the car want to be shifted this high all the time? It just seems to me if you are shifting like this you are always racing the car and sucking up gas.

IceBox · 03-17-2005, 11:00 PM

It's just like any car in that while you're driving easy, shift wherever 3500-4000 whatever you're comfortable with. If you're gunnin' it, then shift at the top...

Tool Pants · 03-17-2005, 11:00 PM

There is a 997/987 tech session at Stevens Creek Porsche April 9th.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4333

Porschekid · 03-18-2005, 04:08 AM

Have you ever driven a stick before? I mean I'm new at driving a stick but it should be common sense to not always make your engine work that hard. You should only shift that high if you are racing. I think if I saw a boxster driving with traffic going 45 in 1st gear, I would have to laugh.

Brucelee · 03-18-2005, 08:12 AM

In everday driving, it would be prudent to shift between 2500-3500K for most driving. More when passing, on ramps etc. An S can be shifted lower as it has more torque.

If you keep shifting at 5500 all the time, expect to pay Mr Engine Rebuilder a visit sometime soon. Not to mention Mr. COP!

Good luck.

Adam · 03-18-2005, 03:35 PM

Yeah, definately not a good idea to shift at that rpm all the time. On the other hand I believe in exercising the engine so the needle goes very close to redline a few times each time I take the car out.

Pilot2519j · 03-18-2005, 05:23 PM

Hi rpm shifting will only be harmful for the engine and your gasoline consumption will suffer quite a bit. I've driven clutch since 1968 and have never abused the clutch. At the same time I don't baby the cars either. I shift depending on traffic conditions, if traffic is moving briskly I open my shifting at higher rpms than if traffic is slow, there I shift on lower end. I will still go through all the gears if traffic is moving above 30 mph.

boxsterdude · 03-19-2005, 04:33 PM

Thank you guys for your help. :dance: I had a feeling Porsche enthusiasts would know the answer. Porschekid you caught me! I actually bought the Boxster to learn how to drive a stick. I almost have the clutch down. I won't be racing the engine all the time any more, unless I'm having fun.