Lugging and Shift points

MK7german · Saturday at 10:06 PM

I have a 2016 Stage 2 E30 Fiesta ST, and I'm worried about whether or not I’m 'lugging' the engine. While the car is cold, I usually shift at 2,000 RPM and cruise around 1,250–1,500 RPM (typically 6th gear at 40 mph). I only use about 30–45% throttle to speed up, and I never accelerate heavily in 5th or 6th gear until I'm above 2,500 RPM. Additionally, I never accelerate if the engine feels like it’s shaking or struggling. Is this fine for the car, or should I change my habits?

killer5280 · 2026-02-15T01:26:59-0600

Don't lug it. Let it rev freely.
But don't run it hard until the oil gets up to temperature.

Capri to ST · 2026-02-15T10:05:14-0600

I would take the revs higher in each gear and cruise at a higher RPM, I do think you're lugging it or at least coming close. I would not feel comfortable shifting my car at those shift points or cruising at that RPM.
Just for comparison, cruising at 40 mph I am in fourth gear, not 6th.

atlantaM3 · 2026-02-15T10:25:01-0600

I never go below 2k, that is the low point to shift to a different gear. if any load at all if needed, sift to a gear where I am over 2.5k min. These are still small 4 cylinders after all, with main bearing etc sized for small 4 bangers.

madhatter · 2026-02-15T12:32:20-0600

LSPI is a common thing with ecoboost motors. Don't spend time below 2k. If the motor is cold, keep it below 3700 until there is a dot or two on the temp gauge, but don't go below 2k if you can help it.

Intuit · 2026-02-15T23:59:58-0600

I'm stock and use a good fuel. Don't have to worry about it. 😜 😁

That said, don't use the ECU's up-shift points. Seems to activate too soon; doesn't have terrain info. It's primarily programmed for max mileage.

Capri to ST · 2026-02-16T10:01:35-0600

[QUOTE="Intuit, post: 527348, member: 4881"
That said, don't use the ECU's up-shift points. Seems to activate too soon; doesn't have terrain info. It's primarily programmed for max mileage.[/QUOTE]
I agree, I think the upshift points signaled by the arrow on the dash are way too soon, I wouldn't feel comfortable shifting that soon.

SteveS · 2026-02-16T10:47:37-0600

You don't have to rev the engine out if you are only putting light loads on it. For in-town driving from stop sign to stop sign you probably don't need to exceed 2500 rpm on level ground, and can also leave the car in 6th gear for highway driving, even up and down hills. You can hear and feel when you need to shift up.

killer5280 · 2026-02-16T15:03:35-0600

SteveS said:

Since this thread started I have been paying more attention to the tach and where I shift and it's pretty much in accordance with what you have written here. 2000-2500 rpm for the most part when the engine isn't under much load.
I definitely try not to load the bearings much.

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Lugging and Shift points

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