Gear ratios determine how an engine’s power band maps to road speed. A shorter (numerically higher) ratio accelerates faster but requires more shifts; a taller (numerically lower) ratio reduces engine RPM AT cruise but demands more from the engine at low speeds. This reference covers every manual transmission offered in the U.S.-market Honda Civic from the 7th generation (2001) through the 11th generation (2022–2025), including final drive ratios, top gear RPM at 60 mph, and transmission codes.
How to Read Gear Ratio Tables
Each ratio listed is the number of times the input shaft (engine side) rotates for every one rotation of the output shaft (wheel side). A 1st gear ratio of 3.461 means the engine turns 3.461 times for every one turn of the transmission output. The final drive ratio multiplies this: a 3.461 first gear with a 4.266 final drive means the engine turns 14.77 times for every one wheel rotation. Lower final drive numbers mean taller overall gearing and lower cruise RPM. Higher final drive numbers mean shorter gearing and quicker acceleration at the cost of higher cruise RPM.
Top gear RPM at 60 mph is calculated as: (60 mph × final drive ratio × top gear ratio × 336) ÷ tire circumference in inches. All RPM figures in this article use the stock tire size for each application.
7th Generation (2001–2005) — D17 and K20A3
| Gear | D17 5-Speed (S40 / S4C) | K20A3 5-Speed (NRH3) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3.461 | 3.062 |
| 2nd | 1.944 | 1.769 |
| 3rd | 1.286 | 1.212 |
| 4th | 0.943 | 0.921 |
| 5th | 0.738 | 0.738 |
| Reverse | 3.153 | 3.583 |
| Final Drive | 4.266 | 4.164 |
| RPM @ 60 mph (top gear) | ~2,850 rpm (195/65R15) | ~2,750 rpm (205/55R16) |
| Application | 2001–2005 LX, EX sedan/coupe | 2002–2005 Si hatchback (EP3) |
The EP3 Si uses the NRH3 5-speed, which is a transmission unique to the EP3 — not shared with the RSX-S or Integra Type R. The NRH3 runs a shorter final drive (4.164) than the D17 S40/S4C (4.266) and uses taller individual gear ratios throughout. The K20A3 in the EP3 produces 160 hp and 132 lb-ft; the NRH3 gear set is optimized for the heavier hatchback body and the K20A3’s lower-output power band, not the high-revving K20A2 found in the RSX Type-S. The result is a transmission that feels more relaxed at highway speeds than the 8th gen Si despite the shorter final drive, because the taller top gear (0.738 vs. 0.659) offsets the numerically lower FD.
8th Generation (2006–2011) — R18 and K20Z3
| Gear | R18 5-Speed (S5M) | K20Z3 6-Speed (S2M) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3.461 | 3.267 |
| 2nd | 1.944 | 2.130 |
| 3rd | 1.286 | 1.517 |
| 4th | 0.943 | 1.147 |
| 5th | 0.738 | 0.921 |
| 6th | — | 0.659 |
| Reverse | 3.153 | 3.583 |
| Final Drive | 4.266 | 4.764 |
| RPM @ 60 mph (top gear) | ~2,850 rpm (195/65R15) | ~3,100 rpm (215/45R17) |
| Application | 2006–2011 LX, EX sedan/coupe | 2006–2011 Si sedan/coupe (FG2/FA5) |
The 8th gen Si S2M 6-speed uses a significantly shorter final drive (4.764) than the base R18 5-speed (4.266). This is what gives the K20Z3 Si its aggressive low-gear acceleration despite having only 197 hp. The short final drive also means the K20Z3 is spinning ~3,100 rpm at 60 mph in 6th — higher than most competitors at the time. This is the transmission most associated with the 3rd gear synchro grind issue documented in Honda TSB 08-020, caused by the 3rd gear synchro ring being undersized for the K20Z3’s torque delivery characteristics under aggressive 2nd-to-3rd upshifts.
9th Generation (2012–2015) — R18Z1 and K24Z7
| Gear | R18Z1 5-Speed (S5M) | K24Z7 6-Speed (S6M) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3.461 | 3.267 |
| 2nd | 1.944 | 2.040 |
| 3rd | 1.286 | 1.429 |
| 4th | 0.943 | 1.073 |
| 5th | 0.738 | 0.830 |
| 6th | — | 0.647 |
| Reverse | 3.153 | 3.583 |
| Final Drive | 4.266 | 4.764 |
| RPM @ 60 mph (top gear) | ~2,850 rpm (195/65R15) | ~2,800 rpm (215/50R17) |
| Application | 2012–2015 LX, EX sedan/coupe | 2012–2015 Si sedan/coupe |
The 9th gen Si S6M uses a completely different gear set from the 8th gen Si S2M. While the 8th gen Si runs 3.267 / 2.130 / 1.517 / 1.147 / 0.921 / 0.659, the 9th gen Si K24Z7 uses 3.267 / 2.040 / 1.429 / 1.073 / 0.830 / 0.647 — taller ratios in every gear from 2nd through 6th. The final drive is also shorter on the 9th gen (4.764 vs. 4.388 in the previous generation). The K24Z7’s additional torque (201 lb-ft vs. 139 lb-ft) compensates for the taller individual gear ratios in everyday driving, while the short final drive preserves strong off-the-line acceleration. The 9th gen Si cruises at approximately 2,800 rpm at 60 mph in 6th, slightly more relaxed than the 8th gen Si’s ~3,100 rpm.
10th Generation (2016–2021) — L15B7, K20C2 (Si), and K20C1 (Type R FK8)
| Gear | L15B7 6-Speed (M6JF) | K20C2 Si 6-Speed (M6GF) | K20C1 Type R 6-Speed (M6YF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3.643 | 3.643 | 3.625 |
| 2nd | 2.050 | 2.050 | 2.115 |
| 3rd | 1.448 | 1.448 | 1.529 |
| 4th | 1.088 | 1.088 | 1.125 |
| 5th | 0.842 | 0.842 | 0.911 |
| 6th | 0.666 | 0.666 | 0.735 |
| Reverse | 3.461 | 3.461 | 3.758 |
| Final Drive | 4.437 | 4.111 | 4.111 |
| RPM @ 60 mph (top gear) | ~2,600 rpm (215/50R17) | ~2,450 rpm (235/40R18) | ~2,900 rpm (265/30ZR20) |
| Application | 2016–2021 Sport, EX hatchback | 2017–2021 Si sedan/coupe | 2017–2021 Type R FK8 |
The 10th gen hatchback Sport and EX trims were the first non-Si, non-Type R Civic models to offer a 6-speed manual in the U.S. market. The M6JF (hatchback) and M6GF (Si) share identical individual gear ratios but use different final drives: 4.437 for the hatchback and 4.111 for the Si. The Si’s taller final drive (lower numerical value) means it cruises at approximately 2,450 rpm at 60 mph in 6th — notably more relaxed than the hatchback’s ~2,600 rpm. The FK8 Type R M6YF uses a unique gear set with slightly shorter individual ratios throughout and the same 4.111 final drive as the Si, but the shorter individual ratios and the K20C1‘s 306 hp produce a very different driving character. The FK8 spins ~2,900 rpm at 60 mph in 6th due to its taller 6th gear (0.735 vs. 0.666) partially offsetting the shared final drive.
11th Generation (2022–2025) — L15B7 Si and K20C1 Type R FL5
| Gear | L15B7 Si 6-Speed (M6GF) | K20C1 Type R FL5 6-Speed (M6YF) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3.643 | 3.625 |
| 2nd | 2.050 | 2.115 |
| 3rd | 1.448 | 1.529 |
| 4th | 1.088 | 1.125 |
| 5th | 0.842 | 0.911 |
| 6th | 0.666 | 0.735 |
| Reverse | 3.461 | 3.758 |
| Final Drive | 4.111 | 3.842 |
| RPM @ 60 mph (top gear) | ~2,400 rpm (235/40R18) | ~2,800 rpm (265/30ZR19) |
| Application | 2022–2025 Si sedan | 2023–2026 Type R FL5 |
The 11th gen Si uses the same M6GF transmission code as the 10th gen Si, with identical individual gear ratios and the same 4.111 final drive. The FL5 Type R carries over the M6YF from the FK8 with the same individual gear ratios but a taller final drive: 3.842 vs. the FK8’s 4.111. This is the most significant gearing change between the FK8 and FL5 — the FL5 is notably more relaxed at highway speeds (~2,800 rpm at 60 mph vs. ~2,900 rpm for the FK8) despite sharing the same gear set. Honda did not change the individual transmission ratios between the 10th and 11th generation for either the Si or the Type R; the performance improvements in both models came from engine and chassis refinements, not gearing changes.
Transmission Fluid Specifications by Transmission Code
| Transmission | Application | Fluid Spec | Capacity | Change Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S40 / S4C (D17 5-speed) | 7th gen LX, EX | Honda MTF | 1.9 qt (1.8 L) | 30,000 miles (severe) / 60,000 miles (normal) |
| NRH3 (K20A3 5-speed) | 7th gen Si EP3 | Honda MTF | 2.0 qt (1.9 L) | 30,000 miles (severe) / 60,000 miles (normal) |
| S5M (R18 5-speed) | 8th / 9th gen LX, EX | Honda MTF | 1.9 qt (1.8 L) | 30,000 miles (severe) / 60,000 miles (normal) |
| S2M (K20Z3 6-speed) | 8th gen Si FG2/FA5 | Honda MTF | 2.1 qt (2.0 L) | 30,000 miles (severe) / 60,000 miles (normal) |
| S6M (K24Z7 6-speed) | 9th gen Si | Honda MTF | 2.1 qt (2.0 L) | 30,000 miles (severe) / 60,000 miles (normal) |
| M6JF / M6GF (L15B7 / K20C2 6-speed) | 10th / 11th gen hatchback / Si | Honda MTF | 2.2 qt (2.1 L) | 30,000 miles (severe) / 60,000 miles (normal) |
| M6YF (K20C1 Type R 6-speed) | FK8 / FL5 Type R | Honda MTF | 2.5 qt (2.4 L) | 15,000 miles (track use) / 30,000 miles (street) |
Honda MTF (Manual Transmission Fluid) is the only fluid Honda specifies for all Civic manual transmissions across all generations. It is not interchangeable with ATF, gear oil, or generic MTF products. The Honda MTF formula is a low-viscosity fluid designed specifically for Honda’s synchro ring geometry and brass synchro material. Using a non-Honda MTF — including Redline MTL, Royal Purple Synchromax, or any GL-4 gear oil — is a documented cause of synchro wear and shift quality degradation in the S2M and S6M transmissions. The 8th gen Si 3rd gear synchro grind issue is frequently worsened by non-OEM fluid. Honda MTF part number: 08798-9031.
Gear Ratio Comparison: Si Models Across All Generations
| Spec | 7th Gen Si (EP3) | 8th Gen Si (FG2/FA5) | 9th Gen Si | 10th Gen Si | 11th Gen Si |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | NRH3 5-speed | S2M 6-speed | S6M 6-speed | M6GF 6-speed | M6GF 6-speed |
| Final Drive | 4.164 | 4.764 | 4.764 | 4.111 | 4.111 |
| Top Gear | 0.738 (5th) | 0.659 (6th) | 0.647 (6th) | 0.666 (6th) | 0.666 (6th) |
| RPM @ 60 mph | ~2,750 rpm | ~3,100 rpm | ~2,800 rpm | ~2,450 rpm | ~2,400 rpm |
| Shortest Final Drive | — | Yes (4.764) | Yes (4.764) | — | — |
The trend across Si generations is not a simple linear progression. The 7th gen EP3 Si (NRH3) cruises at ~2,750 rpm at 60 mph — the most relaxed of any Si — because its taller individual gear ratios offset the shorter final drive. The 8th gen Si (S2M) is the most aggressively geared Si ever sold in the U.S., with the shortest final drive (4.764) and the highest cruise RPM (~3,100 rpm at 60 mph). The 9th gen Si (S6M) shares the same 4.764 final drive but uses taller individual gear ratios, bringing cruise RPM down to ~2,800 rpm. The 10th and 11th gen Si (M6GF) use a taller final drive (4.111) and the tallest individual gear ratios of any Si, resulting in the lowest cruise RPM of any Si with a 6-speed: ~2,450 rpm (10th gen) and ~2,400 rpm (11th gen). This reflects Honda’s shift toward fuel economy optimization in the Si lineup, particularly after the 10th gen switch to the turbocharged L15B7.
Manual Transmission Gear Ratios — Quick Reference:
☐ The 8th and 9th gen Si share the same 4.764 final drive — the shortest of any Civic Si manual. The 8th gen Si (S2M) uses shorter individual gear ratios (2nd through 6th), making it the most aggressively geared Si overall. The 9th gen Si (S6M) uses taller individual ratios with the same FD, resulting in ~300 rpm less at 60 mph.
☐ The 10th and 11th gen Si share identical M6GF gear ratios and final drive (4.111). The Si performance difference between generations comes from the engine, not the transmission.
☐ The FK8 and FL5 Type R share the same M6YF individual gear ratios. The FL5 uses a taller final drive (3.842 vs. FK8’s 4.111), making it the most relaxed Type R at highway speeds. The FK8’s shorter FD produces ~100 rpm more at 60 mph in 6th.
☐ The 10th gen Si (M6GF) and 10th gen hatchback Sport/EX (M6JF) share identical individual gear ratios but use different final drives: 4.111 (Si) vs. 4.437 (hatchback). The Si’s taller FD means ~150 rpm less at 60 mph in 6th.
☐ The EP3 Si uses the NRH3 5-speed — a transmission unique to the EP3, not shared with the RSX-S or Integra Type R. Its gear ratios (3.062 / 1.769 / 1.212 / 0.921 / 0.738, FD 4.164) are completely different from the RSX-S X2M5 or Integra Type R S80 transmissions.
☐ Honda MTF (08798-9031) is the only approved fluid for all Civic manual transmissions. Non-Honda MTF, GL-4 gear oil, ATF, and Redline MTL are not compatible with Honda’s brass synchro rings and are a documented cause of synchro wear, particularly in the 8th gen Si S2M.
☐ The Type R M6YF holds 2.5 qt of MTF — the largest capacity of any Civic manual transmission. Honda recommends 15,000-mile fluid changes for track use.
☐ The 8th gen Si 3rd gear synchro grind (TSB 08-020) is directly related to the S2M’s short final drive and the K20Z3’s aggressive torque delivery under hard 2nd-to-3rd upshifts. Using non-Honda MTF worsens the condition.
☐ The 7th gen EP3 Si is the only Civic Si sold in the U.S. with a 5-speed manual. All subsequent Si models (8th through 11th gen) use a 6-speed.
☐ Cruise RPM trend across Si generations at 60 mph in top gear: EP3 ~2,750 rpm → 8th gen ~3,100 rpm → 9th gen ~2,800 rpm → 10th gen ~2,450 rpm → 11th gen ~2,400 rpm. The 8th gen Si remains the highest-revving Civic Si at highway speeds of any generation.