I just got a used '06 TSX and have to admit that it's a million times better than the Civic I replaced. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind. The Civic I had started up almost instantly but the TSX seems to take a little longer. Is that normal or should the starter only have to turn over once like the Civics?
Also first gear seems to vibrate a little when launching under about 1500 RPM. I've been driving manual trannies for over a decade and have always launched around 1000 RPM. Is the higher required RPM for smooth launches normal or a symptom of a problem? Clutch doesn't seem to show signs of damage and the car was obviously a daily commuter so I don't think it's been abused.
V-tec enguages at 6000 RPM but it redlines at 7100. Is there any way to shift and stay in v-tec, or am I stuck going in and out of v-tec at every shift?
And last but not least, actually, yes least too. Does anyone know the exact name of the black used on the '06 TSX? Honda has a couple of different blacks if I'm not mistaken. My '06 Civic was Nighthawk Black Pearl but looked like it had more blue in it that this TSX has. Anyone know for sure?

Thanks, and sorry if the questions have been covered. I searched, but didn't find what I was after.
Matt

 

I've got an 04 and have always felt that it vibrated more than I would like on many launches. I've found that around 1500-1800 rpm I can get a decent launch. But I agree, it's annoying to me and it's not something I recall being so finicky on other MTs I've driven.

 

I think it's more of the fact that the TSX just doesn't have any torque down that low.

 

Guess I'll have to remember to rev it a little higher than I'm used to. Shouldn't be hard to adjust to.Anyone know about the other things, slow starts, weird v-tec enguagement?

 

It starts longer in order to produce less emissions. I hate it, but can't do anything about it.

MBA

 

Your 06 civic is DBW so you dont feel the vibrations

 

I thought the Acuras have used DBW for a few years. '06 TSXs didn't have it?! If they don't, it would explain why it has so much better throttle response.

 

And his 06 Civic did?

TSX is DBW as well, and the vibrations he's feeling likely are throughout the car, not just the accelerator pedal.


OP: The vibration can be attributed as "normal" but I think you'll learn the nuances of the car soon enough and figure out how to start without vibrating. I know I did and can go from a dead stop without shaking at all. I would not recommend launching at 1000+ rpm unless you're looking for a jackrabbit start. Just feather the clutch out as you feather the gas down, and voila.

 

As for the start-up, 3-4 cranks is about normal, depending on engine temperature, and moon phase. ().

 

Yea the vibration is felt through the car, not just the pedals. The more I drive it (3 days now) the better I'm getting at the new clutch's quirks. It doesn't grab like the Civic or like any other clutch I've used, but I don't think it'll take long to get used to. It's good to know I'm the problem and it's not something that needs a fix.