How to Power Shift and Speed Shift

Driving a manual transmission car fast is a challenge that shouldn't be underestimated. Even if your ride makes hundreds of horsepower and has enough torque to tow an 18-wheeler, if you can't shift quickly and efficiently, you aren't going to go fast.

In this article, we're going to talk about the two fastest ways to shift a manual transmission car and their advantages and disadvantages. The two most widely used methods to shift quickly are power shifting and speed shifting. Both of these methods have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. If you're interested in learning more about stick-shift techniques and tricks, check out our article on the most important manual transmission terms explained.

How to Power Shift

Power shifting is one of the most used shifting techniques in performance driving, and more specifically drag racing. You perform a power shift by quickly depressing the clutch and shifting into the next gear. Unlike a normal shift, you don't take your foot off of the gas during the shift. This allows you to keep the car in its power band for longer while transferring as much power as possible to the wheels. Power shifting leads to a supremely fast shift that is perfect for getting the fastest quarter-mile time possible.

However, the added stress from power shifting can break or warp the gears in your transmission and lead to catastrophic failure. You can also over-rev the engine and damage it if you don't shift fast enough. Power shifting is not something you should be doing in your daily driver on the way to the grocery store. You can completely destroy your transmission if you improperly power shift. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to practice without damaging your transmission. Power shifting should really only be done by the most serious of drivers.

How to Speed Shift

Speed shifting is similar to power shifting, but there are a few key differences that make it a safer option. A speed shift is almost exactly the same as a normal shift, just as fast as possible. You take your foot off of the accelerator and depress the clutch at the same time, then shift into the next gear quickly. Then, you let the clutch out and get back on the gas as soon as the car is in gear. This keeps your car in its optimal power band without stressing transmission components.

This method of shifting is slightly slower than power shifting, but it is significantly less harmful to your transmission than power shifting. If you're looking for a way to improve your lap and quarter-mile times without endangering your ride, speed shifting is for you.

Which Shifting Method Is Right for You?

It’s a good idea to practice your preferred shifting method before you head to the track or drag strip. You can take your track performance to the next level if you take the time to master speed or power shifting.

When You Should Power Shift

Power shifting is a great choice for serious drag racers looking to squeeze every ounce of performance out of their vehicles. It is the fastest way to shift and helps maximize quarter-mile times but it puts heavy stress on the transmission. Fixing or replacing your transmission is expensive and time-consuming, so don't power shift if you're not ready for the potential consequences.

When You Should Speed Shift

Speed shifting, on the other hand, is great for both the track and drag strip. Speed shifting minimizes the time off the power while maximizing time in the power band by shifting as fast as possible. This leads to safe and effective shifts that help you lower lap times and reduce transmission wear.

This is the perfect middle-ground between a normal shift and a power shift. While it takes practice to perform properly, speed shifting is a great skill to learn and is useful for any enthusiast looking to hit the track.

Upgrade Your Ride to Handle Quick Shifts

While learning how to shift properly is important for track days, your transmission needs to be able to handle a power shift. Strengthen your transmission with an upgraded clutch and improve shift feel with a short shifter. Check out the parts below to find high-quality upgrades that allow you to shift with confidence every time.

If you're looking to get into drag racing but aren't sure how to set up your car, we have an in-depth article on how to build a Mustang drag car. After you've set up your ride, take it to a NMRA-sanctioned event to test your build against other passionate enthusiasts.