I know this question has being probably asked before but at what mrp is the ideal # to shift when racing??? is before you hit the red line??? or at the red???

Try to find a dyno graph for a car like yours with similar mods, then try to find the best powerband that will deliver the most average power. Usually its best to shift about 500rpm above peak power, but thats not always applicable. With your snake, assuming stock heads and cams, I'd take it to redline in 1st, and shift at 6500 rpm in 2nd and 3rd. Of course your rear gear ratio will make a difference as well, as numerically higher gears will narrow your operating rpm band.

Its not rocket science but having a good plan and trial and error work best.

in what car? my powerband starts aroun 4000 rpm. I shift at 5800. Sometimes I push it a little more, when you start getting slow to redline you start to lose a bit of power, so I usually shift before.

thanks for the help!!! I'll keep trying, and testing

I have come to believe that you should shift approximately 0.5 seconds after your rpms reach the redline, so that you get the most out of your top end powerband. Experiment and find out i guess. Good luck.

i shift right @ or a lil after 5500 cause by the time im shifting im hitting about redline.

Never ever go into redline. I had a 95 mark viii with a 4.6 dohc and broke two roller rockers staying in the red too long.