I have a 96 SE, and my mods are SI, y-pipe, hi-flo cat, and a Dynomax muffler. I'm able to run 2nd gear all the way up to 65mph at redline. Is this the optimal speed and rpm going into 3rd, or should I shift a little earlier when I'm racing?

What size is the stock B-pipe and the performance B-pipe? Also, should the muffler size match the B-pipe?

 

I have a 99SE with JWT pop-charger, stock exhaust system, and I redline at ~65 in second too. I remember someone posting a detailed list of shift points for a 4th gen... I seem to recall that the best time to shift is within a couple hundred RPM below redline for the first 3 shifts, then shift at redline into 5th gear.
Also, I believe the stock exhaust is 2.5", and yes your muffler should be the same size as the b-pipe, or you'll have airflow restrictions.
jd

 

I think I can help you out a little. I recently dynoed my car with a HKS intake, Y-pipe, RT cat, and Courtesy B-pipe. My peak power occured at 5800 rpms. Therefore the best rpm to shift at is 6200-6300rpms indicated by the tach (actually 6000-6100 at the motor). The goal is over shoot peak hp by 200-300 rpms to get the best results. So follow this:

1-2 shift at 6500 rpms (1st has got great torque multipliation so you can go over peak hp)

2-3 shift at 6100 rpms

3-4 shift at 6000-6100rpms

4-5 (if you are stupid enough to go this fast) shift at 5800-5900rpms


The higher the gear, the lower you shift. You're wasting time trying to rev to 6500 in 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

As for the Courtesy B-pipe. The external diameter is slightly bigger than 2.5". The internal diameter is about 2.35". The stock B-pipe is about 2.2". The Courtesy B-pipe is better flowing because it is slightly larger, has mandrel bends, and a less restrictive resonator. I think it's a great piece IF you forego using the Courtesy supplied 6" extension piece (it is extremely restrictive). Just have a shop make you a straight 6" extension. I noticed a nice increase in low to mid range torque and hp. I think it is a great buy. I'm using my stock muffler in conjunction with the Y-pipe and B-pipe. The stock muffler has 2.2 ID so there is a slight restriction...maybe. I say maybe because I used to have a HKS muffler which had a 2.4 ID. My trap speeds actually improved and my times stayed the same with the stock muffler. Hmmmmm......


Dave

 

according to my computer program for STOCK 4th generation its

6550 @ 37 (mph)
6200 @ 62
6010 @ 88
5700 @ 112
top speed 137
(it could be wrong because computer generated the power curve)
for 5th generation its all redline