I noticed that 3rd, 4th, and 5th are D3, D4, and D5. There is no "D" on 1st and 2nd on the shift plate or on the instrument panel. Are they geared lower, like most Hondas? (towing?) I haven't gotten out to the track, yet, so I haven't been able to tell if you get faster times leaving it in D5, starting out in 1st, or using SS. Anyone know?

 

I think SS will allow you to shift at higher rpm. But if you go 1-2-D3, then maybe you can rev the first and the second gear high enough as well. You should be able to finish the 1/4 mile when you redline the 3rd gear.

The 1st and 2nd gear are not really meant for towing I think. It's just there so that you can lock in the first gear when you are going down a very steep downhill or need to use the second gear to start in winter...

 

I clearly don't know too much about different gears, having driven autos all my life.. why is 1 & 2 good for snow again?

 

imagine your car is on a snowy road.

From a stop if you start in 1st gear with too much gas, you spin your tires and your car starts sliding.

If you start in 2nd gear, your engine won't rev as high (gear ratio) and you'll have less power/torque to the wheels. Less likely to spin with less power.

At the same time, if you're moving and you get off the gas, your engine will slow down your car as long as you leave it in gear. Engine braking. If you're going down hill in d5, you'll start to pick up speed at a high rate. But, go down the same hill in 2 or 1 and you'll notice you don't gain as much speed because your engine is actually slowing you. Very useful when you don't want to go down a snowy hill too fast.

 

The "D" means it's in automatic mode. D3 will shift from 1-3, D4 1-4 and so on. You don't have a D2 because many people like to start and stay in 2nd gear. If you drive in snow, you'll know that 2nd gear (with less power) will help you get going better than 1st. And 1st is there for heavy burdens (like towing) or hard engine braking (also good for snow).

 

Closer, thanks for the input. Where are you from? Seattle, or the area? What do you drive? I'm down in Vancouver, WA, but if you hear of any meets up in that area, let me know, please. There's not much going on around here, except at Woodburn, or PIR. Thanks in advance, man.