Shift Light?

[pcmike]

Has anyone ever come across a shift light setup that actually works with the ECU in order to let you know when to shift? I mean.. what if you didn't know what the best RPMs were to shift at and hence couldn't set the light. Is there even such a light.. or does everyone just do some "testing" to figure out the proper shift points? I'd really be interested in getting the sort of light im talking about since I'm new as heck to manual. I think it'd help me out alot when it comes to downshifting! Yes yes, I know.. "what a waste, just practice.." but still, I'm sure it'd help my "practice" all that much better!

Thanks again guys!@#

[pcmike]

No one knows of such a thing?

[hapaboy]

i know what you are talking about. back in the late 80s my friend had a Ford Escort GT. I remember a red light would come on indicating when to shift. I think the whole purpose of that light was to maximize gas mileage. needless to say, my friend ignored the light. i have never seen a shift light on any other car since then. most people use the tachometer and the sound of the engine as a gauge on when to shift.

[Andy@Ross-Tech.com]

There are many factors that contribute to optimal shifting. The RPM at the horsepower peak, shape of the torque curve, gear spacing, drag, etc. all have an effect. There is one relatively-easily measurable constant. The fastest acceleration will ALWAYS be achieved by shifting after the RPM peak. So, if my stock MCS has its peak HP at 6250 RPM, I am not optimizing my acceleration if I shift before that. For optimizing fuel economy, this is probably the WORST technique.

See this thread for shiftpoint info:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=19325

There are shiftlights on the market that tap into an RPM signal from ignition or instruments. These can be configured by the user for various RPM points. I haven't seen these on a MINI yet.

[monsta]

John Cooper Works do one, it's plug and play and already set up for the MINI.




£222.08 - Buy it here

[uae mini]

Quote:

Originally posted by monsta
John Cooper Works do one, it's plug and play and already set up for the MINI.




£222.08 - Buy it here

this ones really optimised for the cooper as i recall...
correct me if i'm wrong

[monsta]

I'm sure there will be an S one along shortly...

[COOPERation]

Quote:

Originally posted by hapaboy
I think the whole purpose of that light was to maximize gas mileage. needless to say, my friend ignored the light.

I had one on my Civic VX. It was a green light which came on to maximize gas conservation. It basically meant short-shifting or low RPM shifting. My son now drives that car and "like father, like son", he ignores it also...

[tip]

You will figure it out over time. Just do what sounds a feels right.


Charles

[noahe]

There are two kinds of shift lights. Racing ones, and OEM ones.

The OEM ones on the dashes of cars are generally considered to be the lowest form of automotive guages, more annoying than even digital dashboards. They are always set for economy.

Racing ones are typical in drag-style street racers, as it can potentially keep you in the power band. Most people don't use them.

In circuit racing, shifting by a light determined by revs can upset the handling in a turn, so I would imagine they're not used at all.

[rocketpop]

In my 2000 checy s-10 truck, I have a shift light that come on when it wants you to shift up.

[2nd Mini]

Early to mid 90s Volkswagen Rabbits, Jettas, and Golfs had "nag" lights. They were purely for fuel efficiency and soon faded into the background to be ignored. Believe me, nothing beats learning the feel and sound of your car.

2

[tip]

The only thing that PCMIKE can do is, Practice, Practice, Practice.


Charles