My theory was that the best way to utilize the power band was to use the exact same RPM range in every gear, where possible. As it turned out, from a visual standpoint, the gaps in the gears as they appeared on the graph were progressively larger from left to right. Once I figured that out, I eyeballed it from then on, figuring the formula was too complicated and intricate to be useful on a day to day basis.
For my comprehension and the benefit of those too shy to ask, what exactly do you mean by using the same RPM range?? Using my example above, would you set each ratio at the same %..?? Or am I over simplifying things??
What I beleive he's implying is that the RPM range should be the exact same for every gear. Meaning, every shift, has the exact same RPM drop, and uses the exact same RPM range. This range is determined by max power and max tq.
He mentions the formula and it's intricacies but I can simplify it for those who struggle with(and/or just hate) Algebra.
The formula at it's base is:
RPM of Max Hp(GearY/GearX) = RPM of Max Tq
Gear Y is the higher gear, the one being shifted IN to. (Start point)
Gear X is the unknown value of the previous gear(shifting from) and the key part of the equation
Max Hp/Tq are self explanatory.
The only unknown value is Gear X.
Gear Y is the variable in the equation.
Algebra boils down to isolating the X on one side of the equation...
Simplified Equation:
(
Max HP RPM *
Gear Y) /
Max Tq RPM = Gear X
Step 1: Default your transmission
Step 2: Get your 6th gears default value (GT5 Screen)
*6th gear is your starting point, represented by 'GearY' above, but is the variable in the equation.
If you're starting with 6, then Gear X will be 5th gear. (Always the next gear down.
Step 3: Fill in the known values
Example Car:
Max HP 9000
Max Tq 7000
6th Gear value .888
(
9000 *
.888) /
7000 = Gear X
Step 4: Solve the equation
*Always start with parenthesis
(7992) / 7000 = Gear X
*Gear X is going to be 5th gear(an unknown value of), because Gear Y was 6th, and you go down by 1 gear each time.
7992/7000 = 1.1417
1.1417 = Gear X (5th Gear)
So now you have your 5th gear, based on what your 6th gear was.
Regardless of any other gears, you could go drive the car right now, and when you shift from 5th, into 6th, the car's RPM will be 7000RPM (or whatever your max tq RPM was, for your equation)
You can now repeat the equation, for each subsequent gear, where you use 5th gear to figure out 4th
4th gear to figure out 3rd
3rd to figure 2nd
2nd for 1st
And this will result in every gear, using the same exact RPM range, from 7000-9000.
For reference:
(I usually just round to the 3rd decimal)
6th: .888
5th: 1.1417
4th: 1.4679
3rd: 1.8873
2nd: 2.4265
1st: 3.1198
The problem with this, is that you can't always get the values you need, from GT5's ranges. That's the hurdle you have to play with.
BUT...
There's an easier way to play with this, rather than repeating the equation above 5 times, for every new 6th gear you find.
The difference from 6th gear, to 5th is a percentage of 1.286
* .888*X=1.1417
X = 1.286
This is now your constant variable for every gear, regardless of the numbers you use. So, you can set the transmission to 100 different potential value ranges, and all you have to do is multiply by the 1.286 to get the next gear. (Starting with 6th and working your way down to first)
So, Default the tranny, set the top speed MPH 1 click left or right, use the new 6th gear, multiply by 1.286 and that's your 5th gear, multiply that by 1.286, that's your 4th gear, multiply that by 1.286 that's your 3rd and so on.
This allows you to quickly try multiple settings to see if you can find the right value ranges, that will give you the variables needed to successfully apply the perfect RPM range setup.
If anyone wants me to do this for them, on a car they have, and walk them through it as an example, please feel free to do so. Give me the default transmission 6th gear, where the car makes max hp, and tq, and I'll gladly walk you through the steps.
Remember, when using power limiter, it throws off the tq/hp curves, and the values have to be manually estimated. The HP will plateau at 5000rpm, and remain there until 7000rpm, this means you use the 7000rpm as the correct value. The highest possible RPM at max power.
Once you have the values, the final gear will only effect top speed and never alter the rpm range that the cars uses. Only how long it's in each gear/rpm range.
