Gassers & Handshakers: When do you shift?

[75-K5]

When do you usually shift your gas motor? I usually shift mine right at or maybe a little above 2000 during normal driving. I haven't towed with this truck yet, but in other trucks I've towed with I usually wind up to 2500 or 2700 before shifting, depending on the terrain. My neighbor says he shifts at 1800 and I tried it but it's a complete dog. When do the rest of you guys shift? I'm talking about those of us with manual rigs of course.

[Super Trucker]

It depends on if I'm driving for economy or not. For the best fuel mileage, shift as soon as it'll pull the next gear and drive like there is a egg between your foot and the throttle. Also for economy once you’re at your cruising speed shift to your highest gear.



For more spirited driving, I’ll shift when my 454 stops pulling good. Or when it hits its redline.

[502_Jimmy]

When I had my 6.0L gasser, granted it was auto, but I wouldn't hesitate to take it to redline while towing. The 6.0L needs to wind up to make power IMO.

To clarify though.. I never felt it was underpowered, it just needed to rev to get there.

John

[RJF's Red Cummins]

With our '98 C30 Ranch truck with a Vortec 454/nv4500 I usually shift around 2300-2500RPM's for the best mileage. I usually get into OD around 50mph or so.