just got my 96 civic ex, couple weeks ago

i'm having hard time to engage the clutch smoothly

especially at 1st gear, or anytime i up-shift below 3k rpm

have to rev it above 3k rpm, and release the clutch much
slower than any other cars i've driven, in order to have a
smooth engagement

wonder if thats normal for civics, or the clutch is worn?

according to owner's manual recommended shift speeds,
approx 3.1k rpm before upshift, isnt thats a little high? or
civic's torque is really that low?

is it just me, or anyone else experienced the same?

 

Main thumb rule on Civics; use "high" rpms.. Don't run around with 6-7k but use higher rpm than you would usually do. Using low rpm only wears down the engine more than you have to. 3-4k should be ok, but don't go over 4k if you don't have to. 3k isn't high on a Civic though, so don't worry

 

I shift at ~3500 for normal driving. And it sounds like your sychros are shot to hell.

 

no, it sounds like either the clutch is shot, or there is an aftermarket clutch in it. but yeah, i usually shift around 3-4 for normal driving.

 

Ooooooooooh crap my bad. I was thinkin you were having to rev the engine to actually move the shifter so that it goes into gear. I need to read slower...

 

i shift at about 3k
2000 ex coupe

 

I shift at 3700 to 4200 since my vtec doesn't really soar until later like 3200 or around there

 

Between 4,500 and 5,000 on my old built ZC, but on my stocker, around 4,000 (I'm going by ear, since it's a STD; no tach).

 

Teehee.

 

i shift around 3500. my 90 si was doing the same thing, i talked to a honda guy and he told me that it is will eventually work itself out