420R rev range

[7oaks]

Hi All

My first year of trackday driving my 2016 420R SV and I'm wondering about gear selection.

I seem to spend most of the time between 4k and 6k revs.  Is that too low, I'm not chasing /100ths just curious if I'm generally using the wrong gears!

The engine noise doesn't really encourage higher revs, at 6k it's already v loud and I find I change up due to mechanical sympathy but maybe I need some ear plugs?

Per google, torque curve is pretty flat and (hence) power curve fairly straight, so not sure I would be going any quicker.  Have another trackday next Monday (Brands) so will give it a go at higher revs but good to hear your own experiences.

Thanks

 

David

[Andrew 21 Edney]

Surprised you don't already use earplugs, as a sufferer of hearing loss and tinnitus I'd recommend you protect your hearing when you can do so legally.

[356DNA]

Mine has the limiter at about 7800 so mostly it's between 6 and the red line on track. To get the most performance from the 420 you will need to be over 6k. Certainly, that's where mine starts to really fly. Oh. And wear earplugs for safety. 

[aerobod - near CYYC]

Most gear changes on the R400D on track I'm changing at just over 7600RPM when all shift lights are flashing at me. With my car I do need to keep an eye on the oil level and top up as necessary when continually running at max revs.

As others have stated, earplugs are a must, even with a tightly fitting full face helmet.

[AG2728]

The earplug thing had always baffled me because I have a 420R and have never considered it to be particularly excessively loud on the move (in terms of sportsbike kind of loud). It has been the only 7 I have driven so have never had anything to compare it to.

My car however has the rear exit exhaust and this week, for the first time, I had the opportunity to drive someone else's Duratec engined car (360R). This had the standard side exit exhaust and I can now understand the earplug thing. From the cockpit, the difference in volume is huge.

Andy