4 speed vs. 5 speed for stocker

Mike Dahl · 05-21-2010, 11:54 AM

I think it is true that the engine's specific power band plays a part in the question of what improvement is seen with a 5 speed. However, I am pretty sure a 5 speed will need to be shifted differently than a 4 speed.

Here's what I'm thinking...

We grossly over rev our Super Stock engines on the gear change. 4 speed guys are revving them about 700-1000 over peak HP, maybe more. My limited understanding is comp guys with 5 gears are running about 300 over peak HP before shifting. Please chime in if you disagree with my #'s. I am not an expert with comp engines.

My belief is the more gears you have, the less you will need to run past peak horsepower to recover on the subsequent gear.

Also, I wonder if the finish line over rev could/should be reduced with a 5 speed. Again, my limited understanding is that comp guys are running about 400-500 over peak HP instead of us Super Stock guys running 1300-2000 over.

Just some thoughts...

05-21-2010, 11:54 AM	#13
Mike Dahl Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 30 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 4 speed vs. 5 speed for stocker I think it is true that the engine's specific power band plays a part in the question of what improvement is seen with a 5 speed. However, I am pretty sure a 5 speed will need to be shifted differently than a 4 speed. Here's what I'm thinking... We grossly over rev our Super Stock engines on the gear change. 4 speed guys are revving them about 700-1000 over peak HP, maybe more. My limited understanding is comp guys with 5 gears are running about 300 over peak HP before shifting. Please chime in if you disagree with my #'s. I am not an expert with comp engines. My belief is the more gears you have, the less you will need to run past peak horsepower to recover on the subsequent gear. Also, I wonder if the finish line over rev could/should be reduced with a 5 speed. Again, my limited understanding is that comp guys are running about 400-500 over peak HP instead of us Super Stock guys running 1300-2000 over. Just some thoughts... Last edited by Mike Dahl; 05-21-2010 at 01:23 PM.