Rep Power: 0

I have a stick shift LX model, and want to know when to shift in order
to ensure the least wear and tear on my engine.

Assuming only moderate acceleration, I've been shifting when the RPM's
hit anywhere between 2.0 and 2.5. If I shift at 2.0 RPM, i can feel the engine
struggling, even at moderate acceleration. Is there any harm that can
be done by shifting TOO EARLY? Can i blow a piston or something? Will
my engine actually last longer if I shift at lower RPM's?

Thanks

[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/IMG]

 
Rep Power: 0

in the civic hand book, they state where the optimal shift point are at.

 
Rep Power: 0

i would actually like to know also if shifting early causes problems for the engine short or longterm. personally, i shift at 3000 rpm.

 
Rep Power: 418

You could shift sooner if going downhill, but you should shift at the reccomended shift points. Check the manual. If going uphill then you can shift when at the reccomended shift points for faster acceleration. That's about it. You won't blow a piston if you keep it in the lower rpm's, but if you're giving it a ton of gas in the lower rpm's to keep the car going, then that's kinda pointless. If you feel the need for more power, then downshift. It's all by feel IMO.

 
Rep Power: 0

i am with grey on this one. its all about feel!
it is in the manual. but i wouldn't shift below 2000 .
i usually do it between 2500 and 3000

 
Rep Power: 0

I usually shift a little bit over 3 on my tac cause since we have a vtec engine (EX) it should be alright, most cars shift around 3k rpm ours can go a little bit longer cause of our engines (typical honda style) If you think about it, most autos also shift at around 3k rpm just look at the tacs.

 
Rep Power: 0

I go by ear, I can tell by the sound of my motor and the speed im going.........same as my motocross bike, go by ear, its easy. (I usually ****.........oops.....shift at 3000)
Oh, and strainen your motor isnt good, it wont kill it, but it aint good.

 
Rep Power: 0

same... i usually do about 3-3.5

 
Rep Power: 0

I dont shift...I just drive around at like 10mph cuz it makes my engine sound loud and mean

 
Rep Power: 367

consult ur manual... they tell you the shift points for best fuel economy.. you know.

and, for best fuel economy, you should go by mph in the manual.. ie: shift to 2nd from 1st once u hit 15mph...

I generally shift by the tach, since I dont remember the manual's mph speed too well, but it really is better to shift by mph if you want the best fuel economy...

I mean, its near 3k on the tach, but the 3k deal is a general rule, say, if you're traveling up hill, and you shift at 3k, you'r bogging down your engine since you just shifted too early, and you dont have enough torque to go up the hell, and you'll be require to apply more throttle to keep the car moving.. you're wasting gas, and you're taxing your engine needlessly... thats why its better to shift by mph, since road condition differs.

so yeah. consult your manual. for the ex, I think it was sometihng like, 1st to 2nd - 15mph, 2nd to 3rd -27mph, 3rd to 4th 48mph, 4th to 5th - 56 mph. something like that.

 
Rep Power: 0

i dont understand some people sometimes. what is the point in shifting at 3000 rpms? it'll take a weekend to get moving at a reasonable pace. I have an EX, so i guess i would treat an LX or any non-vtec differently, but i have heard in this thread and in others of people shifting 'round 3500rpms with an EX. what is the point in having a car with VTEC in it if youre not going to use it? from my understanding the VTEC lobes dont start 'til around 4400 or so, so why not use it? it seems like a waste to me. VTEC engines get their power in high rpms, im not saying im a racing maniac. i dont go the the track, but i do use my engine to its full capability. i think that if you take care of your car (usual maintainence, synthetic oil etc) that your car will do just fine in the long run. i am not worried in the slightest bit about my engine being damaged for me pushing high rpms regularly (im not saying i redline it all the time) but i do consistently shift in the 5500-6000 range.

and its flame time. give it to me[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/IMG]

 
Rep Power: 0

I would shift at high rpm's but im poor [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/IMG] and can't waste that much gas

 
Rep Power: 0

I usually shift around 3500k or so. I don't really pay to much attention. It all depends on how fast I want to accelerate. I do downshift a lot to regain power when I slow down. Hondas are made to rev and you do have to rev them pretty high to get power. However, that doesn't mean you should rev the hay out of it all the time. It's just common sense that doing so will wear the engine out faster.

 
Rep Power: 0

i usually shift early to save gas, unless i need more power for a hill or getting in front of someone, etc. i shift 1 to 2 around 10mph, 2 to 3 around 18-20mph, 3 to 4 around 25, 4 to 5 around 35

 
Rep Power: 0

FiresVTEC

I'd be really interested in hearing what kind of mileage you're getting if you're constantly driving in VTEC. You're right - when we need passing power we should try to get up in the 5-6k range, but for all other times 3k is a good time to shift.

 
Rep Power: 0

I normally shift like 4-5. And sometime like getting on the highway I take it to 5500 or so. And I still get like 30-33 miles per a gallon.

 
Rep Power: 0

I ususally try to shift around 3-35 rpm...regular driving. When entering the highway or when I need speed, I shift around 4.5-5rpm...

 
Rep Power: 0

<< i dont understand some people sometimes. what is the point in shifting at 3000 rpms? it'll take a weekend to get moving at a reasonable pace. I have an EX, so i guess i would treat an LX or any non-vtec differently, but i have heard in this thread and in others of people shifting 'round 3500rpms with an EX. what is the point in having a car with VTEC in it if youre not going to use it? >>


Here's a point: saving gas and $$$ when there's really no need to go into VTEC range ...

 
Rep Power: 0

I learned in school (auto tech) that causing your engine to shudder means that the engine isn't getting enough fuel, thus causing long term damage...don't do it too much!

 
Rep Power: 315

I shift around 4k most of the time.