4 cylinder shift points... keeping the revs low

I've noticed that running the 2.7 up to higher rpms on level roads doesn't necessarily make the truck accelerate a whole lot faster than shifting at lower rpms. It seems more efficient to let the slow turning 4 banger do what it does best... pull. So I've been reminding myself to shift at about 2,000 rpms, and will find out if it helps the gas mileage. This works out to these shift points:

1st to 2nd: 15mph
2nd to 3rd: 25mph
3rd to 4th: 35mph
4th to 5th: 50mph

 

yes, it will help gas mileage.

 

Good to see experimentation and good information, but there are many configurations that can change this. An access cab and 4x4 will be lugging all day with that. I shift at 3000 RPM with my 1st to 2nd shift, then 2500 for the rest of the gears. It gets the truck moving well and 21mpg average here in the North East. A little more weight to push.

 

My shift points match that list pretty closely. With those speeds for shift points it's closer to 2500 rpm on the 4x4.

 

That makes sense, because the 2TR-FE starts making torque at 2500 rpm.

If you want to hustle, you gotta upshift above 5000 rpm for max power.

 

I've averaged the last three tanks and got the same, with what I consider normal shirting. With an advertised 24city/27hwy, its good to hear I'm not far from other real world milages. I was beginning to wonder if I did rev too high at the top of each gear. I didn't get the 4banger to set new milage records, I just wanted a solid truck that will lug really well and the 6cyl was simply more than I needed.

 

That sounds just right for a 4x4. The only reason I shift at 2,000 without lugging on level roads is that my 2.7 is in a no frills base model standard cab 5 lug 4x2 with no AC or power steering. The engine doesn't do anything else except move the truck, Using it as a fully loaded work truck, so far it's been averaging 24mpg with no freeway driving.

 

My reg cab 4x4 does alright up here in Maine. I try to keep the shifts between 2500 and 3k and get pretty decent mileage with everyday driving.

 

Thanks for posting that chart, Ken.

It documents an interesting fact. The 2.7 is rated by the factory at 159hp at the output shaft and yet only makes 119hp at the wheels. This indicates a whopping loss of 40hp in the drivetrain. I'm really surprised it's that much!

 

119 at the wheels? damn.... i wonder how much HP i have with 35s and no regear

 

i think he had clogged cats at the time of the dyno pull.

 

Were you actually there for the pulls or are you just joking around?

Rear wheel drive has considerable parasitic drag from the transmission and third member plus there is more loss from all of the accessories dragging on the serpentine belt.

Does anyone else know if another bone stock Taco 2.7 dyno chart exists?

 

Yes the one from URD supercharger kit. Same 120.

 

whoops got the dyno sheets mixed up. lol

for some reason i thought that was the URD one when i posted lol. it was mentioned in that thread that he had clogged cats.
which might help explain the small differences in power.

 

Great info! I normally shift at 3000 RPM. Gonna try this.

 

I just bought my 1st Taco and LOVE IT... It's a 2010 Reg. Cab 4x4 longbed 5spd. 4cyl. and it took me some serious driving and reminding myself it's not like my 7.3L Powerstroke with a chip. LOL I noticed on mine that the shift points between 2,000 and 3,000 1st. to 2nd. shift point and then 3,000 to 4,000 from 2nd. gear on. The redline is at almost 6,000 rpms so shifting below 5,000 should be more than safe I would think. Anyhow, thanks for the posts and information on here.

Les

 

i shift below 3000 on the street, anytime off road, im not shifting until im at 4500+

 

Good. Thanks!

117hp and 119hp from two independent sources confirm a reliable stock hp baseline.

This is really valuable information for anyone who wants to accurately measure any gains from their 2.7 mods.

 

While still in my 02 conv cab - 2.4/5spd - I got in the habit of shifting at the 10's. I continue to do the same with this 07 2.7/5spd.

1st to 2nd: 10mph
2nd to 3rd: 20mph
3rd to 4th: 30mph
4th to 5th: 40mph

There might be occasions to boost the shift range up when attaining cruise more quickly but by and large, I use the 10's system in everyday city travel. I also do a lot of coasting. Traffic light turns red up ahead? Kick it into neutral and coast to the light.

 

You're right, jassco...
Different models veryt in weight and drivetrain loads. I drive the short frame 2x4 standard cab with stock diameter street tires. And even though it has a high geared 3.31 rear end and is always loaded with tools and materials, the 2.7 is still working under a relatively light load, because of other minor modifications to enhance low end torque. (header, intake, no AC/PS)