[brent]

Sorry, I am new to diesel...


I have purchase a second hand i30 Elite turbo diesel,
I am wondering what is the best RPM to change gears, I am adopting the habit of changing gears early compared to petrol engines but even when I change early, my i30 wants me to change gears way earlier then what I am used to.

So I am wondering when is the best time to change gear in the diesel?

Thank you

[Berber]

Diesels require slightly higher revs. Especially when they are under 2.0ltr like the i30s.

I found a solution to this. I bought a tuning chip that allows more flexibility and allows you to change gears earlier.

[Phil №❶]

You're on the right track. Notice your rev counter red lines at much lower revs than a petrol engine. The diesel motor pulls like a tractor so the torque is developed between 2 to 3 k rpm. Normal driving does not require higher revs than this. The turbo becomes effective at 1500+ rpm. At freeway speeds our Diesel is chugging along at around 2100-2200 rpm. You won't hurt the engine going past 3000 rpm, but there's really not much point. Can't advise on the change points as our cars are auto, but I think 2500 would be about right for normal driving, 2200 for conservative and 2800 for sporty.

@Berber, I disagree.

[Shambles]

I can honestly say I haven't had my 2014 GD2 Crdi above 2000rpm in the 8300+ miles that I've had her.

Gear changes are signalled by my display around the 1800rpm mark but I've usually just changed up by that time.

So much torque, so little effort

[Just Rick]

Drive it like you stole it,but seriously I find about 2500 is a good point,but as it has been said a diesel will lug a lot lower than a petrol

[eye30]

Gear changes are signalled by my display around the 1800rpm mark but I've usually just changed up by that time.

I have that on the 1.4 petrol as well.

Don't really take much notice but useful when in traffic.

I wouldn't be concerned about at what RPM to change just listen to the engine and change, up or down, when you feel it needs it.

[The Gonz]

All my driving is done between 1500 and 2000.

[eye30]

All my driving is done between 1500 and 2000.

so you don't drive between the hours of 8.01pm to 2.59pm   

[The Gonz]

That's the second time I've responded to this question, with the same answer, and with same Dad joke response.

[brent]

Thank you for your helpful responses.

I am changing gears at about 2000rpm but the computer even sometimes wants me to change as low as 1500rpm.

Just thought I better ask. 

[Doggie 1]

I can honestly say I haven't had my 2014 GD2 Crdi above 2000rpm in the 8300+ miles that I've had her.

Gear changes are signalled by my display around the 1800rpm mark but I've usually just changed up by that time.

So much torque, so little effort

I find that the display tells me to change a little early, especially if I am driving up an incline.

[Berber]

You're on the right track. Notice your rev counter red lines at much lower revs than a petrol engine. The diesel motor pulls like a tractor so the torque is developed between 2 to 3 k rpm. Normal driving does not require higher revs than this. The turbo becomes effective at 1500+ rpm. At freeway speeds our Diesel is chugging along at around 2100-2200 rpm. You won't hurt the engine going past 3000 rpm, but there's really not much point. Can't advise on the change points as our cars are auto, but I think 2500 would be about right for normal driving, 2200 for conservative and 2800 for sporty.

@Berber, I disagree.

Thats what I meant Phil. I guess it didn't come out right. I find to prevent any lag, it is best to change gear later. My chip allows me to change earlier as the fuelling is better.

[Phil №❶]

Got our wires crossed, eh.