[LSE]

I interpolated your graphs. My take on this:
the only gain you'd feel is at the 5.75-6.25K range. before that the torque curves differ too little...this would mean you won't "see" a difference unless you shift real fast around 6.75k and fall back to 5.5K which would let you take advantage of that extra TQ. if you are an early shifter (say 6K and fall to 4.5) then you won't notice a difference IMO.

Obviously the higher the gear the more negible the torque gains will be relative to how much "faster" the car will accelerate. 3rd just lets you feel it more since it is a strong gear and it "lasts" quite a bit at WOT before you have to shift. The extra torque to the wheels from 5-6 is just not likely to make any tangible difference based off your gains and specially not for the range just before 5.5K.

anyhow that's my totally non scientific analysis using nothing buy my eyeball + pinkie method.

[bigfathuero_sti]

I would donate!

[2slow2curious]

Where is this closed course you speak of?

[SubySteve]

I would assume by my dyno that around 4300rpm, I would start my slow gradual pull away from my friend. Not only does my torque hold longer, but I am building more power through the rpm band then before. And around 4700 I should have start a nice little pull because from there on out I started make more power than the baseline. I agree that little spike of power at 5750 is just a waste and probably equates to crap on the street. My tuner is going to redyno for free. Mainly because the car doesnty feel any different and my gas mileage drop 2 mph off boost. So we will see what comes of that.