I'm still getting used to the redline, coming from big v8's with a redline of 3rpm. The lack of torque takes some getting used to, but isn't bad if you're in the right gear. Sometimes I just want to live in vtec nirvana land.

 

I usually just shift in a manner as to keep the car in that 3-4k sweet spot of power in the city, I've also never had a problem with the car dropping to idle rev's while shifting.

 

Also, when just cruising around I find 3500rpm's is a pretty good sweet spot for smooth AP2 shifting.




Although to reduce my stress levels my doctor recommends I shift at redline

 

This is why I paid extra for the automatic option. Best investment ever.

 

haaaaahaha..haha.

 

This.

The s2k is very light, has a large RPM band, a relatively light FW (especially AP1), and is one of the highest HP/liter NA cars in the world. So the engine will jerk you around if you're not in the sweet spot(s).

It's definitely easier in the 3-4k region. I used to shift as per the Honda manual because I thought that those points were right above 'bogging' and with okay power so I was getting better MPG. This was an incorrect assumption. These cars have a sweet spot at 3-3.2k rpm in almost every gear for MPG (I saw a very 'official looking' chart once ). I started getting 26+ MPG 75% city 25% hwy when I started picking whatever gear would put what speed I wanted to go at the 3-4k rpm range. I also rev match and engine break all day long and still got that mpg. It's also a LOT more fun to drive in this range.


I frequently blip the throttle before upshifting. I know this doesnt make sense but I do it when I disengage the clutch slower but still want to upshift. Makes no difference. When downshifting you definitely want to rev match this car, or the car will DRAG ITS ASS lol. Unlike a heavy car that will juice the engine by the weight of the car extering more force on the drivetrain.

 

Funny, always thought the engine speed rose and fell slowly. Maybe it's the AP2 flywheel. Go listen to a CGT or LFA if you want to hear how quickly a performance engine should gain speed.