Transmission gearing

eric.schwartz.

eric.schwartz.

Well-Known Member
Messages
295
Reaction score
69
Location
Marlboro, New Jersey
I just bought a brand new 2014 Civic Si and fire orange which I love. My one question so far is since Honda to do the urine and the gear ratios for the Civic Si so high for anyone that has a new model as high on these forums, do you usually start off in second gear vs first gear? Second gear doesn't sputter and is very smooth to start off in second year as well that's why I'm asking. Thanks![emoji39]
 
You should read your post again. If you're asking if it'll be ok to start in 2nd gear, then yes. It will not hurt.
 
What @webby said.........
You want the engine to run smooth, and if you get that in 2nd, great. Gears are to regulate the rpm the way you want at the time.
Myself, having drove semi's with 12, 15 gears, I'd very seldom used 1st, just depends on what the engine is doing.
 
Last edited:
I don't do 2nd gear starts. I will even rev match 1st if I go under 5 mph. Saves wear on the clutch. 2nd gear starting is hard on the clutch.
 
eric.schwartz. said:
Maybe it's just me, but in 2014 Civic Si first years really short lol second gear even at low rpm still has all the power.
Click to expand...

Not just you, first gear is very short lived in the '13s as well and when your in traffic people are always going to fast for first and too slow for second! I hate that.
 
eric.schwartz. said:
Maybe it's just me, but in 2014 Civic Si first years really short lol second gear even at low rpm still has all the power.
Click to expand...
We all have the same gearing. They didn't change it. My logic is I'm not going to slip the clutch in 2nd gear. If I'm going to slow to let the clutch out in 2nd without bogging it down I will downshift to first. It's less wear compared to slipping your clutch in 2nd to get rolling faster.
 
Bulkybear said:
We all have the same gearing. They didn't change it. My logic is I'm not going to slip the clutch in 2nd gear. If I'm going to slow to let the clutch out in 2nd without bogging it down I will downshift to first. It's less wear compared to slipping your clutch in 2nd to get rolling faster.
Click to expand...
Mmm that's true I suppose.
 
I personally wouldn't start out from a dead stop in second. Even though the car is capable it just puts additional strain on the drivetrain components. I will however do rolling seconds all day long. I really don't feel that the 1st gear in the Si is any shorter than any of the other Hondas I own.
 
Shifting at 4000rpms will get you to about 18mph. Redline is about 30. Not sure why anyone would think it is short unless they are stomping on it.

My '03 LX was worse. 15mph at 4500 rpms.
 
Flightmaster127 said:
I personally wouldn't start out from a dead stop in second. Even though the car is capable it just puts additional strain on the drivetrain components. I will however do rolling seconds all day long. I really don't feel that the 1st gear in the Si is any shorter than any of the other Hondas I own.
Click to expand...

1st is to essentially to get the car rolling. I never use first unless I am at a dead stop.
 
squiggy said:
Shifting at 4000rpms will get you to about 18mph. Redline is about 30. Not sure why anyone would think it is short unless they are stomping on it.

My '03 LX was worse. 15mph at 4500 rpms.
Click to expand...

3500 in my 97 ex nets you about 15mph.
 
I do 1,3,5 and 2,4,6 all the time with 1,4 around town too.
 
I would never start from dead stop in 2nd. Usually I shift into second at 10mph and downshift to first when I'm doing 10 or below. Starting from 2nd will reduce your clutch life.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top