Shift points and power

[quickSS]

Isn't the idea when shifting for performance to keep the revs (all other things being equal) between the horsepower and torque peaks? If you go beyond the HP peak, you car will not go faster, but should go slower, correct? You may need to go a little beyond the HP peak so when revs fall your next gear picks up between the peaks, but there is no other reason to exceed your power peak.

Is this understanding accurate?

[Penforhire]

Beyond the HP peak a car will continue to accelerate ("go faster") but not as quickly. But otherwise you sound correct.

Some cars have more to worry about (short-shift a Honda VTEC engine and you'll be VERY slow) but the basis is the same as you stated.

The other benefit to higher rev's is you might not have to shift to the next gear. Shifting takes time, maybe more time than would be gained if you are approaching a corner (add the times for upshift AND the subsequent downshift).

[Ranger]

Road racers would seem to have somewhat different priorities than drag racers or street racers.

Engineering principles and rules of thumb are generally applicable here. But my experience in drag racing both the 01 and 02 Z06s has taught me that the best times are had when the shifts are made as close to redline as possible WITHOUT kissing the 6600-limiter. The further I get below that, the slower the times. Around a couple tenths for 6200. That's about two car lengths at the 1320'.

Why is that? Given the Z06 gear spacing, 6500 rpm shifts to 2d and 3d and 4th drop the rpm to 4500, where the torque is higher than at, say, 4200 (after at shift at 6200). The reward is faster acceleration after the shift.

JHMO.

Ranger