I drive in 6th gear all the time so I don't have to shift

This is a guide probably written to achieve the best fuel economy for normal driving. Sometimes, I bypass 3rd , 4th or even 5th depending on the type of driving. Like I said in an earlier post, shifting habits will become second nature as you get more familiar with the transmission and your own driving style.

Drive it hard! Don't pussy it. Break it in right.

If you read the next paragraph it'll list the maximum speed for the first 3 gears 38, 63, and 91 MPH consecutively. It doesn't elaborate beyond that, but there are other resources out there.

The manual transmission in this car is not rocket science. What I tell people is that you'll be fine as long as the wheels are still moving while you're in gear. Plus, you'll know it when the engine wants to bog and die. As with any other car, there's a reason why the gauge has a redline indicator and fuel cutoff if you attempt to be in that region. Again, the owner's manual offers some suggestions.

After awhile it all becomes second nature.

Again, avoid the money shift.

That's smart!!! I had not considered that option. I'm going to give it a shot. :icon17:

I don't even look at the RPM gauge. I just listen to the sound.

Same, until I get up into the higher RPMs.

I shift at 3500-5000 based on mood when engine is warm and 2-2.5k when cold start.

I go off sound too but I'd say mostly 3-3500. While driving in my bosses M3 I noticed he shifts around 5K-6K and engine sounds like its straining...all depends on the car I guess
lol

I probably downshift into lower gears when I maybe shouldn't, but it sounds so awesome when I do :D

Heres my take on this whole thing and it might shed some light.

Daily Driving I usually shift around 3k maybe slightly higher if im on an INCLINE or slightly lower on a DECLINE. If im saving gas im gonna wanna get out of 1-4th gear pretty quickly so ill shift under 2k. When im getting onto the highway freeway ect ect ill go to around 5k shifts until im in 6th gear then ill be cruising around 2-3k rpm in 6th gear which is approx. 50-65mph. Generally if you need MPH which you shouldnt really need heres what its gonna look like

1st- 0-10mph
2nd- 11-25
3rd- 26-40
4rth- 41-55
5th- 56-70
6th-70 - infinity and beyond.

5th gear can handle alot more and when you changing lanes your gonna dshift from 6th to 5th unless there are no cars your trying to pass. This is for NORMAL daily driving. For GAS SAVING your gonna wanna do five MPH increments as stated in the manual and for spirited driving your gonna want to hit 4.5-6.5k rpm between shifts EXPECT FOR FIRST GEAR, try to to redline in first gear. You might Blow your motor.

At redline! Duh!

does your thought process include driving on appropriate tires in winter in your cold state? :confused: just wondering.

I'll usually shift in the 3-4k range when just driving around.

This was very helpful. Thank you very much.

Minsu was a noob to a stick when he got his Z. It looks like he's gotten it down pretty well, so good advice to follow. :tiphat:

Since you're in the break in period, I'd keep the revs under 5K. Many different opinions on here about breaking in a car, but I feel better safe than sorry.