Just interested in everyones opinion on shift points when just cruising in 308.
With the supercharger, it pulls plenty hard down low so I usually shift between 2500 and 3000. Since that wasn't a choice, I went with 3-4k.
During times when you're not opening up, I most frequently ran my (former f-car) 308 in the 3,000 to 5,000 RPM band. I observed that that sounded good, had good power, and seemed to be a good treatment to the car (while not being a pansy!). So I would shift at 5,000 or so, watch the rpms fall back down to 3k, then do it all over again . Shift patterns in the 328 are similar, though I am not 100% sure of my shift points. I think if you regularly shift a 308/328 below 4k, you're being too soft and aren't finding the ideal range (not just power band, but just plain enjoyment).
A 308 is a high reving engine...it's not a Harley. Harley's should be shifted at low RPMs and 308s at high RPMs. I was told by Ferrari mechanics that over 5000 RPM is ideal for the car. I keep it in 1st gear down my street until I get on the main road...that's at around 5000 RPM. Let the engine run, even at slow speeds.
Well... trust me here... she gets rev'ved up quite a bit and often enough as <cough> 'needed' Don't make me post my lil pink sheet saying i lost my license for 60 days from last year's <cough> 'needed' Italian Tune Up PS: drove her over 600 miles in the past 4 days... just for fun. Screw the milage and <cough bu//****> resale value.
Shift points should be dictated by terrain, speed, acceleration or deacceration. If I was going up a hill and accelerating I would be shifting at much higher RPM's to get the power out of the engine, 5 to 7k RPM. If I was going down the hill and gaining speed The shift points would be lower as less power is required to attain the same performance, 3 to 4K shifts. Running flat ground through the neighborhood at a moderate speed, 3k RPM's is plenty high to keep the plugs clean, even on a carbed car. If your plugs are fouling anyway then fuel/air may be too rich or plugs too cold. Running higher revs than necessary (6500 RPM at 35 MPH on flat ground) does nothing but wear your engine out faster. There are special cases where a REDLINE shift is required through evey gear going down hill in a 308 and that is to keep up with the Testarossa, 355's, 360's, Gallardo's and just about anything else in front of you.
Funny....I tend shift the ferrari at 3000, but I used to shift the harley at 9200. I only got about an hour of track time between rebuilds, but it sure went fast. I guess that's the difference between driving and racing....
In my case, Bangkok, heavy traffic, no speed limit, If the traffic is light, clear traffic in front....redline baby. I might as well have fun while driving.
Mark...that's bass ackwards Ask any Harley mechanic...they're not meant to run at high revs...make an appointment now, somethings bound to break. Oh how I miss my Harley. You now what HD stands for, right...Hundred Dollars...everything you want to do to the Harley is in $100 increments. Anyway, let the Ferrari be free and run high (not hot).
...I run at about 3500-4000 for a cruising rpm, shifts at arould 5000-5500. But have never have gone above 6500. Kurt There is nothing like a Ferrari, there never has been and never will be!
It just depends on how I feel at the moment. I usually never go over 5K unless I am on an entrance ramp or the track
