definitely keep it at SMG level 1

 

The more you idle with the engine cold, the worse it is on your engine. The engine is taking longer to warm up and that's not good. Start it up, let it idle for 10 seconds or so and drive under 3,000rpm until the entire vehicle is warmed up (engine, transmission, differential, etc.) Sitting in your driveway with the idling is doing nothing to warm up your diff, transmission, and the rest of your powertrain.

 

i start driving as soon as possible, shifting at around 3-5K. and i hold revs at 2k when at a stop.
when it 2 degrees out i want it to warm up as soon as possible.
it's too freeking cold to sit and wait for this chunk of metal to warm up.
theres plenty fish in the barrel. if this one dies, i'll go fishing.
i dont invest my emotions into a machine, so i'll let it suffer for the sake of my comfort.

 

I start the car, let it idle for twenty seconds and then drive slowly down our long driveway. Usually by then she is at three bars and I keep it below 3k's till fully warm.

 

As long as the oil pressure is up after starting the car, you don't need to warm it up (unless it's super cold outside and you want the heater). Warming up was for back when cars had carburetors, and needed the choke to open before driving. You are just wasting gas having your car sit. But like others have said, don't start racing around until it's warmed up.

 

I do the 2 bar thing as well. Makes me feel all toasty inside. =)

 

I know on the AP2 it's eight bars fully warmed up what about you guys with AP1's?

 

Just because your water temp is showing hot does not mean the motor is hot. On my other car, I have a oil temp gauge and while the water will get up to temp within 4-5 minutes of driving, I know I have at least another 10 minutes of driving before the oil is hot, once the oil is hot then and only then is your motor warm. My owners manual for my other car says never go above 4,000RPM until the water is hot, never go above 6,000RPM until the oil is hot...then rev her up to redline as much as you want (8,500RPM)

Since the S is missing a oil temp gauge, I start it and let it idle about 1 minute while I get settled, get seat belt on, etc. Then drive it easy, it helps to warm it by driving it since you are creating heat by driving, I take it easy not going above 3,000 until the water is up to temp and always wait another 10 minutes of easy driving to start VTECing or driving normally, I shift at around 4,500-5,500 always but not until its fully hot.

 

I start it and go. Keep the revs down until full temp. is reached.

 

3 bars