Hey all, I just recently purchased a 2009 6 M/T TSX in CBP. I was just wondering what makes a close ratio trans better or different than any other trans? When I test drove the car I loved the feel of it, but it was a short and slow drive because the salesman was a little bitch and didn't let me open her up.

Now that I have had the car for a few days, I find myself in 5th and 6th gear in no-time.. shifting at about 2k-2.75k RPMs in order to try and improve my fuel efficiency.

My previous car was a 1993 Honda Accord with H23A3 motor swap, trans from an accord wagon, and it was running around 12lbs of boost pushing 280hp to the wheels (So far seemed like it had better MPG.. sigh, I miss my sleeper). When driving around 80mph I was at about 3k RPMs and the TSX at 80mph runs at around 3.5kRPMs.

Here is a pic of my new baby =)

 

Different transmissions, different final drives will change the gearing hence why you have the different rpms at 80mph. Also shifting at so low rpms is probably more of a hinderence than good, it can bog down the motor shifting at such low rpms. Stick with 3-3.5k and an easy gas pedal will net you the best mpg. Close ration trans doesn't mean it's better or worse but it's a close ratio meaning shorter gears. Hope this helps.

 

I always drove 1,3,5,6 unless I had a reason to run WFO. The close ratios help to keep the revs up where the powerband is the strongest so you aren't bogged down in the lower revs.

 

so you've essentially made your car a 4-speed?

 

Pretty much...unless I was in a heated battle with a..Camry. = )