Just got my GT, hard to make myself rev high enough

[rsperko]

I just got my Neptune GT, two-tone, moon/tunes, side air, heated seats (after market). It is a nice car. I am just having a hard time making myself rev this thing high enough. I learned stick in a 66 bug and my last stick was a 83 corolla. I am not used to reving over 3000.Anyone else having trouble making themselves wind this thing until the lifters kick in? It sounds like it is just screaming. I almost wish I had gone for the base model, I am sure I will be glad I got the GT after I get used to it but until then... I am driving it like my grandmother.

[d_m_kolb]

To really take advantage of all those ponies you should be shifting at or very close to 8,100 to 8,200 RPM. Don't worry. Toyota designed the engine for this. I read that Toyota ran a 2ZZ-GE for 10 hours at 9,000 rpm and it still didn't have a problem. The info said that 10,000 rpm was pushing it and damage was very likely to acure. The rev limiter will keep you well away from the danger zone anyway.On the bright side you'll probably get better gas mileage than any other GT owner in the country.

[Jay]

Its probably a good idea to drive like your grandma for the first 1000 miles! I heard that you should try to keep the RPM below 4K and try to vary your speed (or RPM) as much as possible during the break-in period. The manual (PDF version thats posted here) doesnt mention it though... unless I just didnt see it.

[ullbergm]

FYI...From the manual:Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.”But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km).Don’t make full-throttle starts.Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more information.

[millster]

I did the same thing for a little while. After the odometer rolled over 1000 Mi, I got brave (while driving a friend around) and held the accelerator to the floor. That was it. I was hooked. I still try to avoid running it too hard, but it sure is fun.

[Jay]

I think the Matrix manual has different break-in advice for the 2ZZ.

[rsperko]

Funny thing is the Vibe is our second car. The first is an Acura 3.2 TL. I have no problem taking that up to red line. It just doesn't scream as loud. And it isn't manual so I guess I am absolved of responsiblity if I blow the engine it is the transmission's fault

[old man winter]

Don't worrrry..........be happppy. It took me a few weeks to learn how to play with the high red line. Just depends how you like to drive. When I am just putting aroud town I keep it in forth and save gas. Sometimes I go into 5th if I want to keep it at 80 k's in a 60 zone. On the highawy it's in 6th to save on gas again. When I get close to a car I drop into 5th, to pass I go right into 3rd..........liftres kick in......bye bye.Now with the WRX it's a different story......mmmmmmmm turbo.

[Flip-Side]

Make it SCREAM. Yamaha makes all their engines for high rpm power.Plus there are special coatings on the 2zz cylinders to protect the engine even further from the outrageous rpms. I drove it once, and I'm glad I didnt buy it...cause I loved to make it roar, and probly get me in trouble.

[RIT]

Where did you get the aftermarket heated seats, and how much did they cost?

[rsperko]

Place called Erickson's. It is the same place the dealership uses, we just didn't pay their overhead. They did a great job. There is a small button on the lower part of the seat that perfectly matches the plastic. We have had heated seats in all of our cars for a while and these are the warmest.

[Frosty]

Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km).Don’t make full-throttle starts. Oh no! I nailed it at 800 km. Does this make me a bad person?

[2fatty]

unfortunately.... Yes...

[jacmol]

I had an Integra Type-R. It was recently stolen and I ended up purchasing a Vibe GT. If your not familiar with an ITR, it redlines at 8,400 RPM stock (higher with an aftermarket ECU). I bought the Vibe because its 1.8L engine is similar to the ITRs (But less HP). I feel at home with the Vibe (But the shifter is crap compared to the ITRs). I wanted a car that would blend in a little better than the Phoenix Yellow (Steal-me-please color) of the ITR. Believe me, the high reving engine will grow on you.

[rAge_GT]

when i got my gt i had such a hard time red lining it. I drove for so long at low revs... my fiance was driven nuts because he said he wouldn't have a problem taking it up! I wouldn't let anyone else do it either. I finally got up the nerve to do it and after a few more times i got used to it and realized the car wouldn't blow up. I've only had the car for a month and a half now, and sometimes I still find myself flinching when I take it up... It's worth it when you feel the lift and see the other car disappearing behind you though....