New Civic SI Sedan owner with questions

[adio]

Hello everyone. Just registered as I am a new SI Sedan owner. Bought it yesterday and getting my alarm system put in tomorrow. I have some questions for you SI buffs:

First, this is my first Honda, and first 6 speed, so although it's very easy to drive, I don't want to be over revving the gears since I'm used to a 5 speed. What is the ideal rpm to swap gears at? On a 5-speed I usually hit it at 3.5 or 4, but I found on the SI it's more like 4-4.5. I assume 6th gear is really only used for highway driving?

Second, my Habanero Red SI Sedan comes with summer tires and mud guards. How useful do you find these two things? I didn't really want to go with the summer tires as I heard that they are a rougher ride. The mud-guards are nice however I'm debating on getting an under body kit later on after the Mugen Sedan is released. How well do the summer tires run during the winter time?

Third, what does the VSA do specifically, I know I can toggle it on or off.

Fourth, what's the difference between the HFP Under body Kit which includes intake and lowering springs, and the addable accessory "Under Spoilers" that you can modify on their Build & Price website. Does it use the same styling and just add on the 18'' wheels plus intake etc..?

Fifth, I would like to get some fog lights for the SI. If I were to buy some directly from Honda, how difficult are they to put on? And are they even worth it? I live in Seattle.

And Lastly, I understand that there is a AUX output on the stereo and I should be able to plug in an Ipod or DVD player easily. Do any of you currently have this setup or did you opt for the Honda Link Ipod system? I know you can't control the Ipod with the stereo when you use AUX, but it saves around $500 after Labor. Anyone have a picture of their sound setup?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks for your help!

[TexasK20Z]

To answer a couple of the questions...

Shifting... until the engine is broke in (first 600 or so miles)... keep the car OUT OF VTEC... shifting around 4K is good and will net you a good 27mpg. There was a thread about "hyper mileaging" the Si and the "optimal" RPM for gas mileage was ~45-47mph in 5th or ~65mph in sixth...

Aux input... I use my MP3 player (non-Ipod) with the aux jack,,, it works just fine... :) I have a Sandisk Sansa MP3 player that VERY nicely fits in the little change holder in front of the cup holders...

[TexasK20Z]

and of course... from one FA5 owner to another... Welcome! And enjoy the ride!

[Gr3y Goose]

Originally Posted by adio

Hello everyone. Just registered as I am a new SI Sedan owner. Bought it yesterday and getting my alarm system put in tomorrow. I have some questions for you SI buffs:

First, this is my first Honda, and first 6 speed, so although it's very easy to drive, I don't want to be over revving the gears since I'm used to a 5 speed. What is the ideal rpm to swap gears at? On a 5-speed I usually hit it at 3.5 or 4, but I found on the SI it's more like 4-4.5. I assume 6th gear is really only used for highway driving?

Second, my Habanero Red SI Sedan comes with summer tires and mud guards. How useful do you find these two things? I didn't really want to go with the summer tires as I heard that they are a rougher ride. The mud-guards are nice however I'm debating on getting an under body kit later on after the Mugen Sedan is released. How well do the summer tires run during the winter time?

Third, what does the VSA do specifically, I know I can toggle it on or off.

Fourth, what's the difference between the HFP Under body Kit which includes intake and lowering springs, and the addable accessory "Under Spoilers" that you can modify on their Build & Price website. Does it use the same styling and just add on the 18'' wheels plus intake etc..?

Fifth, I would like to get some fog lights for the SI. If I were to buy some directly from Honda, how difficult are they to put on? And are they even worth it? I live in Seattle.

And Lastly, I understand that there is a AUX output on the stereo and I should be able to plug in an Ipod or DVD player easily. Do any of you currently have this setup or did you opt for the Honda Link Ipod system? I know you can't control the Ipod with the stereo when you use AUX, but it saves around $500 after Labor. Anyone have a picture of their sound setup?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks for your help!

1.the shift question, its preference..but usually 3k-4k
2.summer tires in the winter? the product speaks for itself...
3.VSA=Vehicle Stability Assistance, behind the blinker dipstick is a button that reads "VSA", press it and you basically have no electronic traction control
4.the hfp kit is the underbody spoilers, and i dont think theres an available intake(?) and the suspension lowers ride height by about an inch and a half and betters handling
5. yes buy them from honda, or you can get yellow jdm (japanese domestic market) fogs.

6. There is a search button. you can find everything you need to know using that, ive answered to the best of my knowledge, i may be mistaken but im pretty sure im right
anyway, welcome to the site and enjoy the car

[adio]

Thanks for the answers. I'm pretty much stuck with the summer tires now, lucky I don't have much winter left I guess.

As for the VSA, If i press the VSA button it shows an illumidated VSA logo in my dash like it's ON. Then when I press it again it goes off. So does that mean it's OFF by default? Do I not need to use this often? I assume only in slick conditions.

I may have been reading about the Intake from a different hfp kit.

[skittleslegend]

Originally Posted by adio

Thanks for the answers. I'm pretty much stuck with the summer tires now, lucky I don't have much winter left I guess.

As for the VSA, If i press the VSA button it shows an illumidated VSA logo in my dash like it's ON. Then when I press it again it goes off. So does that mean it's OFF by default? Do I not need to use this often? I assume only in slick conditions.

I may have been reading about the Intake from a different hfp kit.

It's a little difficult to tell you how to shift because a couple different factors are involved, but in essence, you should be shifting before VTEC, for the most part. You are correct that the 6th gate is for highway cruising, due to its longer gearing ratio, for theoretical better highway gas mileage.

VSA should be ON be default. Stability assist is really only useful in slick conditions. Otherwise, if you want the performance it robs you, turn it off. Most people never drive with it on.

And intake from the HFP kit? Honda Factory Performance (currently) does not offer an intake in the HFP kit. Were you referring to one of the aftermarket intakes (INJEN, Fujita, AEM?) or something else?

Your climate doesn't get as cold as ours does, but you don't want to run Summer tires at all during the winter. At the very least, just get some cheap all-seasons. Summer tires use a compound designed specifically to perform when they heat. When there is no heat introduced into the compound (due to the climate), the compound remains, or becomes stiff, meaning less performance than probably necessary. This is a HUGE problem because some of the most important parts of your car are the treads on all four corners. If your rubber compound hardens when it should be soft, it could be the difference of you stopping 60ft short of a brick wall or 120ft THROUGH the brick wall.

Stay away from the Honda Ipod Link. Unless they've changed it, it's a piece of sh.....poo.....piece of poo.

Welcome to the family Pics are required of you or ye shall be beheaded....

(not really, but it's customary...lol)

[CZ-75]

I run summer tires all year long and it does not matter much. At worst, they get about as hard as the typical OEM A/S junk tire.

[codys8thcivicsi]

hey welcome to the site and congrats on new purchase

[skittleslegend]

Originally Posted by CZ-75

I run summer tires all year long and it does not matter much. At worst, they get about as hard as the typical OEM A/S junk tire.

You don't live in this winter climate, so you can do that, Mr. Thrifty.....lol

[CZ-75]

Originally Posted by skittleslegend

You don't live in this winter climate, so you can do that, Mr. Thrifty.....lol

I drove through Tennessee and Missouri with them right after a blizzard. Nothing like doing 600 miles on summer tires when they have barely cleared the interstate.

[Kakashi]

DOnt listen to these guys.. shift at redline in every gear!

FTW.

[Vince]

Originally Posted by TexasK20Z

To answer a couple of the questions...

Shifting... until the engine is broke in (first 600 or so miles)... keep the car OUT OF VTEC... shifting around 4K is good

it never ceases to amaze me how varied the break-in advice is LOL (not a knock on you Texas20Z)

[Nomar06]

Welcome to the Ocho!

[a10thunder]

I'll take those mud guards if you don't need them.

[adio]

Haha, actually the Mud guards are starting to grow on me. I've been noticing quite a bit of gunk piling up on them for the two day's i've had this car.

Anyone else opt for the Karr security system?

[CZ-75]

Originally Posted by adio

Anyone else opt for the Karr security system?

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/car6.htm

Don't even THINK about buying the car alarm from the dealer!
If you do buy their alarm get all features in writing. Is it wired to the trunk, sunroof hood and all 4 doors? My friend found the alarm for his new 1997 Mazda 626 was not connected to the trunk or hood. When he went back to complain, Mr. Plaid told him "Oh, that's extra". If I buy a car alarm for $400, am I wrong to assume it's connected to the doors, hood, and trunk? That's what I get if I buy it at a stereo shop for $199 and have them install it. Why spend $400 on an alarm with 2 stupid wires?

Ever been at a mall, and heard an alarm go off? You know the one, its the same alarm everywhere. This worthless alarm is installed on zillions of cars, and you hear it going off everywhere for no reason at all, on a clear sunny day. Also, stay away from alarms that talk to you. "Danger. You are too close to the vehicle. Back off now". Drive by one of these cars, and it sets off. Let's add this to the alarm: "Danger, you are wasting your money. Back out of the deal now!"

Dealers use Code Alarm, Excalibur, and Viper. Code Alarms are typically refurbished and repackaged, often unknown to the dealer. Dealers pay $100 - $150 for Code Alarms. There is even one made by Micro for $38!! They pay maybe $50 and sell them for $400 and up, that's why it is a worthless add on. What makes these cheap alarms trigger all the time? Cheap, improperly placed sensors, thermal sensitivity, parts out of spec, and poor wiring. You get what you pay for, nothing better, and usually worse. Dealers use outside installers to install the alarm. Clifford alarms are OK, but are too temperamental and trigger easily. Do yourself a favor, go spend the $300-500 at a reputable Hi-Fi shop for a real car alarm instead. Don't go for the cheap deal du jour stores like the window tint shops that sell $99 alarms, do it right or don't do it. One brand I recommend is VSE, starting at about $400 installed. They are reliable, sensors are stable, false alarms are rare, they have zoned outputs, allowing you to determine where the trigger came from. Another decent brand is Delta, with an installed cost from $100-$400. Buy a model in between, as the $100 install is bare bones. Have them wire your alarm to lock the doors and roll up the windows. This may cost more, but it's so cool, I have it on my GTA. But don't buy it from the dealer, or your life will be hell. If they force it on you, or tell you it's already on the car, have them remove it, or don't buy the car. It should be easy for them to remove since it's not wired to the hood or trunk, right? "That's Extra".

Remote ignition start is not recommended for manual transmissions! Many people leave the car in gear, so it could get up and leave you if you remote start it.

[skittleslegend]

Originally Posted by CZ-75

I drove through Tennessee and Missouri with them right after a blizzard. Nothing like doing 600 miles on summer tires when they have barely cleared the interstate.

Try doing that with New England drivers..........

Last week I was on some really shitty All-Seasons. JB's step-dad is "thrifty"...the two in the back were completely bald and the ones up front were a size two small. The car they were on was an old 89 Buick LaSabre. Damn thing topped out at about 80mph and when you got up there, it'd shake worse than a wet Yorkie in a paint mixer.

That plus people barrelling past at 90mph in 3 feet of snow doesn't make for a fine commute, especially when you travel 60 miles to and from work on these wack-ass roads....*ugh* I hate living here....

[CZ-75]

Or Tennessee drivers. I had some idiot in an F-250 decide I wasn't going fast enough on the bridge over the Tennessee river a couple years back and he zoomed around me only to fishtail on a slick spot - he barely caught it. I guess I can't blame it on inbreeding, even though I try.

[HondaFamilyMan]

Originally Posted by CZ-75

Or Tennessee drivers. I had some idiot in an F-250 decide I wasn't going fast enough on the bridge over the Tennessee river a couple years back and he zoomed around me only to fishtail on a slick spot - he barely caught it. I guess I can't blame it on inbreeding, even though I try.

+1 rep for blaming inbreeding.

[CZ-75]

Originally Posted by HondaFamilyMan

+1 rep for blaming inbreeding.

LOL. I'm currently located in what may be the epicentre of inbreeding in the US.