Shifting New V6

FlagTaco · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 03:23 PM

I have a new 06 Tacoma V6 with manual 6 speed and I was wondering about up shifting at RPMs and break in. I noticed the max torque rating of 266 is at 4000 rpms and thought that would be a good rpm to up shift at. But it seems a little high. I have always broke in new cars and bikes with running the engine the same way I will always run it, kind of hard. I have always felt that if you break them in soft they will run soft for life.

My questions for you V6 manual tranny Taco owners:
1) Take it up to 4000 RPMs and up shift?
2) Up shift more conservatively at 3000 to 3500 RPMs? Still seems to have plenty of torque at 3000.
3) Run theTaco hard?
4) Be careful and baby the Taco?

Thanks for your input - FlagTaco

Corban_White · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 04:01 PM

I took it easy during the break in period, shifting @~ 2500 RPM. During break in you are wearing the parts into each other (ie they are grinding small imperfections off of each other) and to invoke full or even lots of torque before this process has finished can cause your engine to wear out prematurely.

Tacjam · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 04:13 PM

I shift between 2-2500 rpm for normal driving, seems to me if you shift at 4 grand your just wasting fuel, unless your trying to pass or get somewhere in a hurry. No? Breakin period, I think todays machining is so advanced that you really don't have to break in a motor. That's just my opionion though, I haven't heard of an engine failing prematurely because break-in habbits. I drive/drove mine like I normally drive, I didn't alter a thing. I have a X-Runner V-6 6 speed.

here is some interesting reading, just another opinion though:
Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

Jim

FlagTaco · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacjam

I shift between 2-2500 rpm for normal driving, seems to me if you shift at 4 grand your just wasting fuel unless your trying to pass or get somewhere in a hurry. No?

Jim

Yeah, you're right 4000 is pretty hard accerelation. Best reserved for passing on two lane roads etc... And your comment on fuel consumption is probably right on too. But 2000 - 2500 seems a little low. Maybe I will try to keep my shifting around 3000 rpm and cruising at 2-2500.

Tacjam · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 05:02 PM

I bought a scanguage II, the fuel you save shifting gears in the 2-25k range is amazing! I've been getting around 19-20 in the city and 22-23 on the highway by keeping my foot out of it. Don't get me wrong, I do get on her every now and then...that's why I bought a six!

Jim

viet2100 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 07:13 PM

Be conservative and smart the first 1000 miles. Like it says in the owner's manual, don't race the engine (shifting at 4k) and don't brake too hard. I added this one myself, not going over 80 mph. My buddy purchased an '07 M5 and HAD to break in the first 3000 miles. Couldn't go over 80 mph, couldn't race the engine, and braking hard. And now that thing just hauls a$$!!!

flyboy05 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacjam

I shift between 2-2500 rpm for normal driving, seems to me if you shift at 4 grand your just wasting fuel, unless your trying to pass or get somewhere in a hurry. No? Breakin period, I think todays machining is so advanced that you really don't have to break in a motor. That's just my opionion though, I haven't heard of an engine failing prematurely because break-in habbits. I drive/drove mine like I normally drive, I didn't alter a thing. I have a X-Runner V-6 6 speed.

Jim

I agree 100%. Although today's engines and machining have surpassed the type of "break in" we're used to, taking it "easy" during this period will just guarantee that longevity of the truck.

dwntwnall4u · #8 (**permalink**) 01-08-2007, 12:58 AM

I just took it easy for the first 1500 miles. Now I finally get to see how my new taco feels like when I floor it...

By the way, on shifting the 2005+ V6, should RPM normally stay at go up a little after lifting accellerator pedal to shift into the next gear?

I've never had another stick shift vehicle do that. Seems to be not right.

thanks,
kevin

Tacjam · #9 (**permalink**) 01-08-2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyboy05

I agree 100%. Although today's engines and machining have surpassed the type of "break in" we're used to, taking it "easy" during this period will just guarantee that longevity of the truck.

Hey Flyboy, I'm a C-17 Pro Sup....we don't break in our engines...hahaha