Thanks Pete. That's what I was thinking when it comes to shifting. I have never gotten my car dynoed, but I am pretty darn sure my power curve is starting to go down right around 6000-6200.Laura , I think your on the money were your at right now.
Shifting the car higher will not give you much of anything at all . Think about it if lets say your power curve starts to nose dive at 4800 to 5200 why would you shift at 6500 . When the rpms recover on the shift your starting past the curve were its making less power.
You can try it if you want but I dont think your going to see any gains. Now if you have ported heads and cams , then a NA car will run harder with the rpm's because it will make power the more you buzz it . Besides the power curve will be different so you will need to shift according to your new powerband .
As far as powershifting goes , Ive noticed thru many years of racing its harder on the parts for little if any gains.
Quick shifting works just the same and is easier on parts . What I mean is you lift just a tad shifting as quick as possible.
More then anything everyone has different style's and the only thing that is constent is repetition. Just get behind the wheel and try again a few passes the exact same way and compare.
What tires did you run with DR's ? If so 20 psi's is a little high on air pressure try 16 to 17 psi's will work better , and try to leave at the same rpm. If it bogs off the line try 200 rpms higher at a time .
Pete
As for shifting. I don't mean to boast, but I am pretty damn quick. Like I said, I am VERY happy that I am consistent.