My rig shifts from 22-2500 though most gears.
But I DID tighten the shift cable and I don't drive like a grandpa around town.

 

This isn't any standard operating range. This is my stock setup. Started from a stop sign to go up a grade ~4-5% for about 1/4 mile. I had about 300 lbs in the bed. I get over 3K. Video stops just as come to the top.

 

I am running 80 at about 2300 rpm.

 

I think I'm liking my choice of stick better now

If I drove running my rig into the 3000 rpm range, I'd be racing someone hard (or I totally forgot that I'm supposed to do the shift'n).

I can see why auto's don't get the mpg that stick do.

Between my Vehicle: listing and my signature, you can see where I'm at now.
I'm happy with my max speed, but want a little more spunk getting there.
I won't be changing tyres or ratios, but have been considering the following in addition that what I have already;

E-fans
SCT
Roller timing chain
180° Termostat
FI Airgap
52mm Throttle Body
HS1.7's
Headers (short or longtube??)
3" Magnaflow cat back

If this mix performs no worse than standard at lower rpm's (say 900-1200), I'm fine with that, but would like some more pep in its step by ~1500, and a nice wake up over 2000.
This should make a nice driver for me if I'm going easy, and added fun if I push it up the gears harder.

Thoughts?

 

The 1.7:1 rocker rollers rock.. they are cheap and easy, not to mention damn quick to install.. nit only do they allow the engine to breathe better by adding more lift and a touch more duration, but they lessen parasitic drag on the valve train, too.. which makes you more efficient.. they do, in fact, rock..

But..

If you're serious about building in the range you indicated, put a lower rpm range cam in there.. that is the right and proper way to go about it.. the rocker rollers are just and easier way to approximate what a cam gives you.. more air in, more air out, and timed just right...

Google for a sausage cam... It sounds like what you're looking for..

 

+1. It seems everyone wants to open up TB and add headers and open exhaust, but that leaves the calve as the choke point for allowing the engine to breathe. Even a slight increase in opening or duration can make a significant difference.

 

Seems like my game plan is not too bad then... I'll keep the sausage cam in mind for a major rebuild, but for now the HS1.7's and SCT will have to be enough.

 

Wow!!! My diesel runs higher RPM's than what you're doing with a gasser. I'd guess part of that is where you're at. You don't really have any hills to climb down there. But I do wonder if your light footedness is really all that good for your engine. But I guess as long you're happy with the way your truck drives that is all that matters.

 

I'm sure if loaded and climbing hills I would have to run higher rpm's before shifting.

Where I typically shift is based on experience and how labored the engine is after the shift... if it has the torque to continue accelerating at the desired rate after the shift, I got it right... I don't feel the need to run it to redline before I shift

I lived in PA for 3 years, and drove back and forth to Detroit, but didn't haul stuff... If caught behind a semi on a steep uphill run, I'd have to drop back to 4th, but whilst the RPM's are a little higher, they're not that drastic as you're at a lower speed... as I said, I've never been to 3000.
Whilst I don't run it out to redline, I certainly don't let it labor... I drive it where it sounds comfortable.

These are V8's, not 4bangers, so I'm not thinking they should be high revvers... I'm not racing it on a track, so don't want to plan for performance mod's that only work at the top end.

 

If my truck was a stick I think most of my shift points would be between 1800-2200 rpm for just DD'ing around.