Do all VX's have a Shift Light?

[915VX]

I've been reading quite a bit of post on this forum and from what I understand there are quite a few VX's with a shift light indicator. Is the SL something that was added to later models? Was it an optional feature? I currently own a 92 VX and it does not have the SL. I looked closely at the gage cluster and it does have a little box where the SL should be but doesn't have the SL icon. Is it a lot of trouble and money to add one? Is it even worth it? Thanks in Advance.

915VX

[roadsterbum]

California-spec VXs did not come with the Shift Light Indicator. Mine has one (federal version), but I think it's useless. I basically ignore it.

[915VX]

Ahh OK. Well I'm beginning to believe that my VX is a Cali version. I don't get the FE that other VX's are getting and I feel like I havent experienced Lean Burn. There is no hesitation, just smooth powerband. How can I tell if my VX is a Cali Version? Any numbers on the VIN that would identify it as a Cali Version? Thanks

915VX

[veeracer]

I just bought my VX so I am new to the vx world. I also just figured out I have a Ca. model. I'm not so happy about that. Check your o2 sensor. Are there only four wires? You can also check the ecu located in the pasenger floor/kick panel. If the last three characters begin with a "L" that indicates a Ca. model. I think an "A" indicates a 49 state car.There may be other better ways to ID you car but I don't know. You can convert it with a 5 wire o2 sensor and a 49 state ecu and some creative wiring. Hope this helps.

I am looking to buy a 49 state computer if anyone has one.

[suspendedhatch]

All VX's have lean burn. The difference is that the federal VX has an O2 feedback system able to read lean mixtures so that it can run leaner and for longer.

[1993CivicVX]

Originally Posted by mad pup

California-spec VXs did not come with the Shift Light Indicator. Mine has one (federal version), but I think it's useless. I basically ignore it.

How come? What RPMs do you shift at instead? I like the SIL, but it doesn't always come on which is kinda odd.

[roadsterbum]

I usually shift around 2500 rpm in the first couple gears, and around 2000 rpm in the higher gears. I feel like I'm lugging the engine if i shift any lower than that. Many times the SIL will tell me to shift gears way sooner than that, which just doesn't feel right. So pretty soon the SIL lost credibility for me and I chose to ignore it at some point.

I might get better mileage if I follow the SIL, but the health of my engine is more important to me than max mileage.

[1993CivicVX]

Maybe there is something wrong with your engine. I used to think the SIL was too low too. Since I got my new o2 sensor a few days ago I shift before the SIL comes on, which was an absurd idea before. Engine runs buttery smooth now with the new o2. 2500 is 1000RPM higher than what feels right for my engine. I shift at 1400-1500 in first and second gears and about 1050-1100 in 3rd and 4th.

[suspendedhatch]

Originally Posted by mad pup

I usually shift around 2500 rpm in the first couple gears, and around 2000 rpm in the higher gears. I feel like I'm lugging the engine if i shift any lower than that. Many times the SIL will tell me to shift gears way sooner than that, which just doesn't feel right. So pretty soon the SIL lost credibility for me and I chose to ignore it at some point.

I might get better mileage if I follow the SIL, but the health of my engine is more important to me than max mileage.

Do you have the stock transmission, stock intake, stock exhaust?

[roadsterbum]

Yup, stock D15Z1, stock intake and exhaust as far as I can tell. My car feels pretty strong and gets pretty good mileage, about 45mpg.

Maybe I'm just not used to a car like the VX? I usually shift between 3-4K rpm in my Miata and Evo. It just doesn't feel right when I shift below 3K.

1400-1500, 1050-1100 is crazy! For a while, I shifted at 3-4K in my VX as well, before dropping that to 2-2500 for the sake of FE. I just can't see shifting as early as you do though.