#&%$!!!! I lost my first race.

[Nomad666]

I just lost my first race . To a 1997 VW jetta with the new 1.8L turbo, intake, exhaust, fuel management. I was with him for 1st gear but at like 7000rpm when i tried to shift into 2nd the $%#@ng thing wouldn't go into gear. Can I please get some advice on what rpm to launch at and what rpm's to shift at. This is my first FWD talon.

 

[talon94es]

Well, sounds like you pulled a rookie. If you didn't miss shift 2nd would've you taken him? Or, do you have a bad 2nd gear syncro causing you to miss 2nd gear. Also, you must be pretty new to cars because you should be able to tell when to shift based off your powerband. Stay within you optimal "happy zone" when shifting. I raced one of those tricked out 1.8 T jettas in my Turbo Scirocco and he wasted me but I was hanging ok. He was Highly modded and sounded like a freaking jet plane. Good stuff.

 

[97GS-TSpyder]

VW>DSM sometimes....i used to own a a3 4 dr golf w/ a vr6 swap ....mad fast...

 

[RipperXX]

the power band for the 4G63 drops off past 6k... but shift whenever you feel is the right time...

 

[herostar]

I lost my first race too. It was 3 days after I got the car. Also, the third day I was driving clutch. I had no problems shifting, but I was racing a gst with the mods I have now minus the intercooler and the fuel pump. It was ok though, because it was another dsm. The guy and I are good friends now, and we're planning a DSM meet next month.

 

[XxXEcLiPsE93]

you tried to shift into 2nd at 7000 rpm???

holy shit!!

i cant get my car to go into 2nd in anything over 5000...

and why would you even have ur engine that high anyway ur way past the peak power band which i think is like closer to 6000

 

[airbrat]

7000rpms??? peak HP on most turbos (14B/T25) is 5500-6000. Remember you ain't driving a honda

 

[Nomad666]

Originally posted by airbrat
7000rpms??? peak HP on most turbos (14B/T25) is 5500-6000. Remember you ain't driving a honda

hehehe i'll try to remember that. Well today i practiced a bit and i think i got it down. So i'm going to try again this friday/

 

[CBgst]

I always shifted at 7k with my 97 gst. It helped keep the turbo spooled and put you right in the sweet spot for the next gear. I tried shifting sooner but my times were slower. That's just me though. After I got my FP big 28 I shifted at 7500 and that worked fine to. Who knows though what works for one person may not work for another. Practice practice practice

 

[JLJ]

Install the Symborski shifter kit and you won't miss your gearshifts anymore! It the best $40 you can spend on a DSM.

 

[Hooah]

Originally posted by JLJ
Install the Symborski shifter kit and you won't miss your gearshifts anymore! It the best $40 you can spend on a DSM.

hell....f'in ....yes

 

[DSM Stang-Eater]

wouldnt it be good to shift at 7grand? even though ur power band runs out, your nicely into ur power band by the next gear. Ive heard no matter where it drops off u wanna run it till redline, to stay in ur powerband the next gear. I sthis even remotely correct on these cars??