I have a 2009 Fit Sport MT. I wanted to know what everyone thinks about the lowest RPM you can run the engine in any particular gear. For example, it seems like I can be in 5th gear at 42-45 MPH without feeling like the engine is struggling (the engine is running at 2K RPMs). I like that option because the engine is revolving less which is increasing the MPG. However, does anyone think running in a specific gear at 2K RPMs is too low?

 

heres how I find myself driving when I'm not climbing a hill or trying to accelerate fast

gear,speed
1,1-10
2,10-20
3,20-30
4,30-40
5,40+

generally 2k is a good point to shift at for economy in the above conditions

 

In my Si when I go for MPG I shift at around 3k RPM but as soon as im up to speed its right to 6th (over 30MPH at least). You don't really need more than ~1300 RPM to keep a car at speed.

 

In my DB8, I usually shift between 3-4K for normal driving. Then again, my redline is at 8100.

 

I shift at 11k in my Spoon motor

 

I dunno, but are you asking about the range reference in the book? Or, just general experience.

 

I was just looking for what people have experienced in regards to shift points. The owners manual provides when to shift from one gear to another, but I wanted to know if people shift earlier just to maximize MPG. I want to maximize MPG without hurting/stressing the engine due to operating it at low RPMs.

 

Even tough mine is an 08' MT, agree with the above stated shifting points and speeds. I keep my Fit in between 2-3k RPMS at all times unless I'm running at high speeds on the freeway. I'm sure the new owners manual states as well, that the highest possible gear you can be at at any time while running smoothly is not only best for the mpg gain you'll see, and also best for your engine overall. In fact, unless I'm shifting into 5th gear, I use the 2-2,500 RPM mark as my shifting points all the time. My clutch loves me

 

If I'm trying to get somewhere in a hurry, I run the revs up to like 4k per shift. My daily commute consists of a long drive on a road with a speed limit of 40, with actual traffic speeds between 35-45. If I'm just cruising, I'll be in 5th gear as low as 35, although if I have to start accelerating at all I have to downshift. If I'm in no particular hurry, I'll usually shift at about 2k. Getting on the highway, I don't shift to 5th until I'm at crusing speed.

Gas mileage isn't just about the gears though. Like if you're in 5th gear at 35 MPH and trying to climb a hill and you're going full throttle, it's going to take a lot more energy then just downshifting to where the engine wants to be. If you're just cruising along with traffic, as long as you're above idle you're fine (and I idle at like 800 RPM), you just need to downshift if you have to actually accelerate. Does this make sense?

 

It's a 2009 car, which may not have been entered into their online system yet, so it cannot identify model/specs and subsequently costs. I ran into that with lib. mutual A phone call should take care of it.

 

This guy says it best.

You should note I have an '08.
Personally I typically shift around 3k, maybe up to 3.3k if i'm going up a severe hill. I recently got my scangauge so I'm still testing out the best possible shift points. To give you an idea, my overall mpg is 41 since I bought my car in June but I do 60 on the highway.

If I'm just cruising, I'm in 5th at 35mph, but as others have said, if you have any sort of hill, you need to drop down a gear or two. When getting on the highway I don't put it into 5th until about 50-55mph. I try not to gun my car.

This is an awesome thread to review: Read what he has to say regarding short-shifting (~2k rpm).
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/eco-fit/21658-scan-gauge-schooling.html

 

You guys are great. Thanks so much for your responses. I have one more question... is it Ok/safe for the engine when the car is running at 2000 RPMs when cruising? When cruising on a flat road.. what is the lowest RPM you can have without harming the engine?

 

I still haven't gotten delivery of my new Fit yet, but if previous Honda's are any sign I used to shift early round 2K rpms, and if I'm on the hwy I dont shift to 5th till about 50-60mph. I've always tried to shift early.

In my old Integra's, & Civics I used to even skip gears 1-3-5, I'm hoping it will be possible to do so in the new Fit when I get it.

 

I skip gears when going down hills or slight inclines all the time. The Fit can handle it.

 

I figured it would, thanks for the verification.


I cant wait till my Fit gets here.

 

Anything above idle is perfectly healthy. You'll be able to tell because it will start to bog. Don't worry so much about the actual RPM's, and worry about the sounds the engine is making and how it is behaving. If it feels jerky and luggy then downshift.

I highly suggest checking out the forums over at standardshift.com. The guys there have a huge wealth of knowledge in regards to the finer techniques of driving stick and hyper miling and all sorts of stuff. There's a few Fit owners on there as well.

Pretty much the ONLY time I've ever used 4th gear is getting on a highway entrance ramp or passing someone from 5th. I've never skipped 2nd, but it seems pretty short and I don't see any reason why you couldn't.

 

I drove home tonight shifting 1-3-5, and it is possible, but it just doesn't feel quite right. You'll have to run up 1st higher than I like, and even though there are people who redline 1st every single time, it just feels smoother and more natural for the engine to use 2nd. Just my opinion though. If you have something against 2nd, it's not necessary.

 

It's not that important to me that I skip gears, I was just curious if the engine would feel right doing so. I don't mind going thru all the gears sequentially. Just curious as this is a smaller engine than was in my older Acuras.

Sometimes I just skip gears subconciously.



I really wish we had a 6th gear as they do in the UK model, to drop the rpm's a little on hwy.


Thanks for checking it out.

I cant wait till mine finally gets here.

 

In my old 07 Fit, I shifted into 5th at 30mph - now in my 09, I shift to 5th at 25mph. No lugging, either.

 

The lugging will tell you what you need to know. Giving specific speeds will only be valid if you are on level roads. Going uphill or downhill will change the equation.

I generally drive in 4th gear at city speeds (50-60 km/h) and in 5th as soon as I hit 65 or 70.

I really wish the Fit had a 6th gear. It could use one at highway speeds, given the gear ratios and final drive ratio it uses.