Its been a while since ive driven manual, but right now with my xB im shifting in between 2500 - 3000 rpm and i wanna know if its the right rpm to be shifting at because when i hit 65 mph in 5th gear im at 3200 rpm. is it normal or is something up?

 

No, that's normal. These cars are geared ridiculously short.

In normal, casual driving, you want to upshift relatively early (2000-2500rpm) if you're not in a huge hurry.

 

the general rule of thumb for upshifting is 500 rpms above whatever your rpms are in top gear. so if you're at 3200 at 60 mph in 5th gear, you should upshift at about 3700 rpms.

but it also matters about how good the power curve is and if you're on a flat, uphill or downhill road. you really just get a feel for it and if the engine is struggling to meet your acceleration demand, then you need to downshift.

 

awesome, thanks ppls!

 

It depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Your best Brake Specific Fuel Consumption rate (most fuel efficient acceleration) actually occurs between about 1500 and 2200 rpm at relatively light to moderate load. Anything more, and you're throwing fuel away for better acceleration.

 

x2 and applies to most 4cyl cars, 1500-2000 is best to shift, itll almost seem to early