ok from what i gather the 2.2's power band is about 4 grand... so with that said .. ive been messing around and trying to figure out where 2 shift when im either at the strip or racing people else where.. i when racing normal take it up just past 6 grand grand but im thinking i might be better to shift just around 5/5.5 grand witch brings me when i get to the next gear around 4 grand. im just trying to figure out what other people are doing....

any input welcome

 

I usually shift at 6500 if i'm racing. I saw somewhere that regardless of where the powerband is, with most cars you'll accelerate the quickest shifting at redline - but there are some cars that its quicker to shift within the powerband. I have no idea if that applies to the cobalt, but i've tried different shift points and to me it seems like 6500 is my best bet. I looked real quick for that article and i can't find it.. if i can find it later i'll post it up here

 

i saw that on a neon forum... cant remember which one tho

 

well the power band is from approx 3800-5500rpm.....the gearing ratios vary so you will need to vary your shifting accordingly....this is because you dont want to shift right at 5500 if your rpms are gonna fall too low.....here is where i shift in the diff gears:

1 - 5800
2 - 6k
3 - 6-6.5k
4 - same if i could get there without getting to the speed limiter....damnit

well shifting at redline is all good if your powerband is making power until then.....the 2.2 does not....it stops at approx 5500...after there it levels off and then drops at approx 6200....so if you shift at 6500 you are actually slowing down due to the power loss up top....this is based off of a stock engine.....intake and exhaust boost top end so it might swing the powerband up.....the best thing to do is to get on a dyno and go off the readout

 

I shift at 6300 and launch at 3000

haven't tried this at the track yet but on the street it works well...

 

basically shift 200-250rpm higher in the gears as you go after hitting peek power in 1st it seems.

 

In my auto, my car naturally redlines when I race...It shifts at about 6000-6500...Somewhere in there. I am assuming that since the auto is programmed to shift there when I floor it, the manual should be the same...(That is for like 1,2, and MAYBE 3...After that, it holds a little wider, and then shifts at lower RPM's...I think. Like 5000-5300? And that is REALLY keeping it down...I gunned from 70 mph, and STILL was able to redline. Not the best idea, but I like the dely. It allows for a faster speed build up, and wider gears...Check me if Im wrong. I cant guarantee the same. So I say for 1-3 probably let it reach the 6000 mark. After that, keep in WITHIN the power band. After all you are at higher speeds you are REALLY going to need that FULL hp.

 

wow i dunno about you, but my 1st gear is used up in a heartbeat, i cant imagine shifting it much earlier than redline

 

Yeah same, my RPMS swing quick, and then hit 2nd right away...However, like I said, it is just under red...About 6000-6500 RPMS...I THINK. So yeah, any earlier would be a waste. So like I said, I assume since the autos are programmed that way, it is best to let it reach NEAR the red and then shift...(After either 3rd or 4th, I would THINK it is best to ride out the power band. That one dude said it was 3800-5500 right? Which means at 5500 you will start to lose power, so shift right at its edge (Maybe late) 5500 (just as your power peak starts to decline), that way you keep max accerleration AND max horse power AND max torque). Think about it in terms of the Dyno read outs: Atfter they pass out of the power band, the graoh begins to decline, which means you LOSE power.

 

yeah i have that same deal.. its almost happens in a snap of a finger