I'd go one step further - just because your temp gauge is at 3 bars doesn't mean you should VTEC. The oil warms up a fair bit slower, and oil is very important in VTEC engagement.

I'd go 3 bars + 3 minutes

 

I feel sorry for the car's owner. He's listed as an enthusiast (he is all that) but not the owner. I try not to put her over 3,000RPM until I see three bars. And I resist stomping on it until a good fifteen minutes of driving. More if I can resist it.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RACER
Even if you were to warm up the engine for 5 minutes before driving away, consider that there are other parts that also need warming up.

 

4 bars? In my 2 years of S ownership I have never seen more than 3 bars.

Oh wait - you have an 04. How many bars on an '04 does it equal 3 bars on an '00-'03?

 

This is exactly the reason that I don't use my heater. It is a little bit easier for me not to use my heater being that I live in California (1/2 hour north of S.F.), as it is a little bit warmer here than in Virginia. The only time I use my heater is after driving 10+ miles. Top and windows down in the middle of the night.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cape Cod

 

Yea that's a good safety margin. I let the car run for a minute and then drive gently, shifting at 3k rpms until the car warms up to 3 bars and don't hit VTEC after a good 3-5 minutes as a safety margin.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Road Rage