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First of all: 2002 Honda Civic EX/ Manual Trans/ 50k Miles

Q1: When I get off work and it's cold (I'm 3rd shift) Is it common to have trouble actually pushing the shifter up into 1st gear? Should I let it warm up a little bit?

Q2: I'm not sure but from what I've heard I think my V-Tec kicks in at about
4k RPM (correct me if I'm wrong) Does it hurt any thing to have it up that high when I'm going one constant speed? Example, I was driving through construction this morning going 30 and I was in 2nd the whole time, It was at about 3.5-4k rpms the whole time. Is that a bad thing? Does it effect the car/tranny at all?

Q3: I honestly can't remember what my 3rd question was. I will think of it sooner or later, so I will just tell you, my CiViC is completely stock and the first modification EVER to this car will be removing the Civic, EX, and the H emblems on the back of the car. And then I will be purchasing a either black or red grill for the front of my car so it will be emblem free!! =D (Red cuz my car is red!)

Thanks in advance for answering my questions. I am going to bed right now (I'm so tired I feel like I'm on a roller coaster right now!! Bad) If you have any other questions or anything I will be back later to answer them, so don't think I'm ignoring you or anything! Your opinions are highly appreciated (I'm what you call a noob and the import scene =D)

 
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1.) I had trouble going to first sometimes. Picked up a revo short shifter with greys kit and kumosport bushings and have not had a problem since. It could be your shift linkages though.
2.) Vtec does not always kick in at 4k it varies according to oil pressure, rpm, engine load, ect. You're not hurting your car it was designed to rev. You're only burning more gas lol. However, I wouldnt' recommend pinning it at redline for a long time.
Have fun with your car and keep it clean not ricey.

 
Rep Power: 314

Q1: Ron that is a great idea but what i do is always put my car in 2nd before i go to first, try this out and it may help and may not but the bushing idea is smart also.

Q2: no it wont hurt it, Ron is correct. You have what is called Vtec 3.

 
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Q3: Yes, you should go turbo and not do a kswap.

I'm a mind reader.

I also row through a couple gears before going into first. I also notice I sometimes I have to let the car roll a half-inch or so to get it firmly into reverse. It's been like that since 18K so I'm not too worried.

 
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vtec engages at 4500 rpm only when a bunch of other condition are met such as proper coolant temp, oil pressure, floored gas pedal (100% throttle), over 15mph speed. You will almost never be using the different vtec cam profile during normal use. its pretty much for racing only.

 
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Awesome, thanks guys. Also, I think I'm only going to get a lip kit for now instead of all new bumpers and skirts. I'm planning on getting 17" rims when I get enough money for them, do you think that would look funny if I don't get the car lowered? And yes I agree, nice and simple is the way to go.

 
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may car slammed on Ground control coilover with 17's



have fun! And yes it looks funny not lowerd on 17's

 
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^^^ black out those headlights?

 
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sometimes i have trouble going into first and reverse. been happening for a long time. all i can say, is that if it doesn't go in smoothly, don't jam it in. If it doesn't want to go in, there's probably a reason for that.

if first or reverse doesn't go in, i usually cruise through a few other gears before i smoothly pop it into 1st or reverse.

as for number 2, it's not bad, your car will just burn unnecessary fuel. If i'm cruising the same speed for a while, I'll usually put it a gear higher and always try and keep my rpm's below 3000, unless i need them . that's just me.

 
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50K miles ... ever thought of changing ur Manual Tranny Fluid ?

Also ... Look for signs of Oil leaks

lol @ Speedfoos answer for the 3rd question !

 
Rep Power: 314

i already bought an extra pair and did it just need to install them...