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MG TD TF 1500 - Shift points - TF

I've got a couple hundred miles so far on TF1414. I have a few questions as to what typical RPM is a good shift point up shifting through the gears. Highest I've gone is 3000 - 3300 or so from second, third to fourth. Unsure what the red line is on these cars.

I do have trouble hearing with a 80% severe hearing impairment from birth so I do rely on reading the tach. I use the tach extensively when riding my HD.

I think 3000 is a good shift since peak torque is around this number but wanted to hear from people from the forum. Still breaking in the engine so I not going above that right now. Top speed I've gone is 50 in top gear and it seems this car really wants to go and is on the cam at the higher rpms between 3500 and 4K.

Also what is the lowest rpm so you are not lugging the engine so you know to downshift a lower gear?

Info on the car: Car is basically stock with Len's Street roller camshaft & 4:3 rear end.

1250 engine
4:3 rear end
stock exhaust
stock coil
stock distributor rebuilt by Jeff at Advanced
Len's roller street cam
40 thou over pistons


Thank you

Frank

TF1414


Frank Cronin

Added:

When in higher gear, I have been downshifting when RPMs start to fall close to 2200. 2000 minimum

1st gear only at a complete stop just to get the car rolling to shift to second.
Frank Cronin

When starting in 1st gear, get to 2nd as soon as possible, The owners manual recommends shifting at 9 MPH. The rotational speed in 1st gear is quite fast and it tends to throw the lubricant off so wear will ensue.
Lew Palmer

It depends on how your engine is built, but typically I shift at around 3500 in normal driving, and 4000-4500 in spirited driving. Under full throttle, I never let the RPMs get below 2800. At half throttle I'll let it get closer to 2000 but never below that unless I'm just cruising on light throttle. These engines don't mind revving but they can't handle lugging at all, and doing so can result in a broken crankshaft. I've seen (and heard) it happen. The guy refused to let his engine rev and broke the poor thing in half on a hill under full throttle at low RPM.
Steve Simmons

I'm a fairly conservative driver and not at all a racer. Nonetheless, I shift at 3500-4000 and even a bit higher if going up a hill. I try to never let the RPMs get but a tiny smidge below 3000 except with very minimal load. My 1250 XPAG seems to be happiest between 3500 and 4500.

Jud
'53 TD
J. K. Chapin

I usually shift my 1500 with a 4.1 rear between 3000 and 4000 rpms, I never hold the rpms at 4000 for any length of time.Actually I shift by sound, I also do not race my car, I did that in my youth with cars built for it, now it doesn't interest me anymore. PJ
PJ Jennings

Thanks everyone for the help. Much appreciated.

Frank
Frank Cronin

I guess I'm at the other end of the scale as I frequently up shift at 5000 rpm and on occasion higher.
L E D LaVerne

This thread was discussed between 10/09/2019 and 11/09/2019

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