Hey, I'm new to Honda-Tech and I also got my first Honda about 3 weeks ago. It's a 1995 Civic ex, manual. This car is an all stock still-besides repairs that have been made.

I'm new to the whole vtec thing so I was wondering whats the best time to shift? I was told that the vtec allows me to reach higher RPM's than most other cars but how exactly does that work? Right now I shift a little above 3k for each gear. So with this Vtec can I shift at a higher RPM without damaging the engine/transmission? I tried shifting higher around 4.5k but the engine gets rather loud so I've been staying around 3k.

Sorry if this repeats any previous posts. I tried the search but all I get is a message that says the Search Server is down at the moment

 

When suitable (aka Race track), shift at 7k rpms when you're looking for the most acceleration from your car.

you've got along way to go... Lots of reading, trial and error.

Welcome to HT.

And P.s. the search function is your best friend...

 

Alright, I've got a lot of work to do before the track anyway, what about while on the streets? Just stick with shifting at 3k-4k?

 

I usally shift at 3k at 1st 3k at second and 2k at third and skip to fith

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ultima.maniac &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Alright, I've got a lot of work to do before the track anyway, what about while on the streets? Just stick with shifting at 3k-4k?</TD></TR></TABLE>
it depends if your racing...

 

depends on how much you value gas...

i think 3K is fine for daily driving, but if you go to the track 7K is where you want to be...

 

Alright, thanks.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by h22bb1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">it depends if your racing...</TD></TR></TABLE>
No not yet-just a daily driving question-but I like to have a little fun, It's recently bought and the previous owner didn't do anything to it so I've got something to keep me busy all summer.


I'm new to these Honda's so one more question, how can you tell when vtec engages? Should I be looking for a drop of rpm or a different sound?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ultima.maniac &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> different sound?</TD></TR></TABLE>

mmmmmBAHHHH, that's pretty much it

 

what kind of motor do you have? shift at 3 if ur just cruising but it's ok to redline it every so often.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by obuhmyuh &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what kind of motor do you have? shift at 3 if ur just cruising but it's ok to redline it every so often.</TD></TR></TABLE>
The D16Z SOHC vtec until I do a swap. I've settled at shifting between 3k-4k.

Thanks guys, appreciate the help.

 

yea i shift at around 2500-3k for daily. but every now and then i redline. not to often though

 

7k all day long

 

For daily driving shift around 3k. For racing... not every car is the same so shifting point would be different from car to car. Best way to know the best shifting points is to have it dyno. Vtec uses oil pressure to activate which is around 5000-5500 rpm until it kicks in.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Circuit Star-29 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When suitable (aka Race track), shift at 7k rpms when you're looking for the most acceleration from your car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree with qualification...

I shift out of 1st around 7K-8K. I'm not bumping the cutoff until 8200 but... it happens pretty fast in 1st gear!

After 1st gear, it really doesn't matter, IMHO!

Honda = (H)old (O)n (N)ot (D)one (A)ccelerating...