Actually, peak horsepower for the M44 occurs at 6000 RPM (I'm not sure about the M42, but it should be pretty close).

I haven't seen an official published spec for M44 stock redline, and I haven't tried to verify this with a calibrated tester, but if my car's tach is accurate (they often aren't), redline is 6500 RPM before the rev limiter cuts in.

Shifting at a 6500 RPM redline, the engine speed after each shift would be as follows: 1st to 2nd: 3872 RPM 2nd to 3rd: 4282 RPM 3rd to 4th: 4777 RPM 4th to 5th: 5328 RPM

Without using an actual power vs. RPM graph, a good generalization to use is that the power rises and falls symmetrically around the peak horsepower RPM point. That means that for maximum acceleration, each shift should put the engine at an RPM that is the same amount below 6000RPM as it was above 6000RPM before the shift.

In other words, the M44 produces about the same power at 5500RPM as it does at 6500RPM.

All of the above shift points result in engine speeds below 5500RPM.

Regearing the transmission to closer ratios would improve the ti's acceleration considerably. (Gearing is probably the primary advantage the Neons have over the ti). Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any gears sets from other car models or the aftermarket that are available. Custom gears would be prohibitively expensive. (BMW uses the same gear ratios on the six cylinder cars, the ratios work much better for those engines).

Moving the redline up to 7000 would also be a help because shifts could be made more symmetrical around the 6000RPM peak power point.

Mods that increase bottom end torque on the engine would also make it work much better with this transmission.

I hope the above helps clarify things.

Regards, Brian Brown.