i have never owned or driven a turbocharged car....and my friend told me that in turbo cars you have to shift at higher RPM's
(almost at redline), is this true? on a stock VR4 at what RMP's should i shift when everyday driving?

 

Turbos have nothing to do with the RPM with which you shift. So in short, NO its not true.

 

Your friend is most likely thinking about high performance driving. There is a balance between the rpms and the turbo boost to achieve the best performance results. Remember, the VR-4 has 320 HP at 6000 rpms. If you drive to achieve your highest boost at 6000 rpms, your car is performing at its best (if you are racing). I do not do this most of the time. I rather save my power for when I need it. (Or just when I want to play.) You will notice that your boost won't kick it much until you are at about 3000 to 3500 rpms. If you "lug" the engine (trying to accelerate in too high of a gear), the boost won't kick in at all. I like the fact that I have power to spare. I also like the smooth rideability of the 3000GT. So, I spare my power most of the time.