The very last 4 bars(I think its 4) that are not lit up, flash red when at redline and flash more when the rev limiter is hit. It's a nice visual to help you shift, but it happens so fast if you see it flash more than once in first or second you are gonna hit the limiter. I think in forth I have watched it flash 2-3 times without hitting the limiter.

 

Meaning...it's ok to be redlining the car? No damage?

 

Of course there will be damage if you do it consistently but not likely if you do it once... or twice... or occasionally

Mathematical shift points for the gears are:
1st - 43.2
2nd - 65.7
3rd - 90.9
4th - 116.1
5th - 139.5
6th - 166.5

That is if you shift exactly at 9000rpms. I keep a little sticker on my PC monitor at work to remind me all the time of those numbers... actually I only need to remember the first 3 gears since I'm not likely to be at 9K going 115 very often.

Do the calcs for 6k (multiply speeds by 6/9) to get the shift speeds for "normal" driving. This is also good for your break in period. I use these numbers for downshifting.

The downshift numbers are also good to know. Nice to know that as your slowing you can drop down and stay in control and in VTEC.

Enjoy,
JD

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jedwards
[B]Of course there will be damage if you do it consistently but not likely if you do it once... or twice... or occasionally

Mathematical shift points for the gears are:
1st - 43.2

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jedwards
[B]Of course there will be damage if you do it consistently but not likely if you do it once... or twice... or occasionally

Mathematical shift points for the gears are:
1st - 43.2

 

I might normally drive shifting at about:
1st - 30
2nd - 45
3rd - 60

The speeds on my PC are actually:
1st - 40
2nd - 65
3rd - 90
4th - well I don't normally come screaming into these high speeds.

... I do use these.

I don't recall the manual recom's (what page?) but these numbers are fairly widely agreed upon and you can try it when you break the 600 mi mark.

 

Don't worry, you'll get used to the sound. On my original test drive, I don't think I revved it past about 5K - it sounded about like my wife's Civic at redline! - OK maybe a bit smoother..... but you get used to the sound. After you've gotten used to 7-9K shifts, you'll learn to love the sound and non be scared into shifting too soon. Actually, I've noticed that I now shift my Prelude much later than usual, since the sound no longer makes me want to shift!

JonasM

(Do you expect to be out driving tonight? I'm thinking of going out maybe about 8-8:30pm - wanna meet up someplace? PM me.)

JonasM

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by OhioRacer
[B]Can you help a newbie understand the shift points on this car? I have driven stickshift for a long time and the shift points are usually done by "ear". When the revs seem high enough, I shift. Short shifting even saves some gas. However, I'm getting the impression from reading posts here that the shift points are much different with this car. The owners manual only gives the canned "little old lady" shift points. How high do you rev this thing in each gear? What are the recommended "fun" shift points? It sounds to me like if you don't know these you will never experience the true joy of driving the S.

 

Originally posted by OhioRacer
............

Man, I keep hearing about this "red tach" and this other "zone" the engine goes into and can't wait to get this $&$$(~!! break-in over with. Does the tach actually turn red?
............
> Well, no. But my wife's face changes to an interesting shade as the blood drains from it as the engine screams its way past 8000 rpm. For sure, the engine screams louder than she can.

 

LOL jell...

Thanks for the note on the Excel sheet. Saved me from doing something I had been putting off.