do you have an SOHC or DOHC i believe the DOHC had the same redline for all years it was in the car 91-98 it was 6500.

the SOHC might have had a lower redline thus causing the powerband to fall off quicker. DOHC powerbands fall off before the redline so it is efficient to shift before redline. i have to shift at about 6k to stay in the powerband and if i run it out farther than that it might have an ill effect on my times.

and yes i agree it is pointless to take a car all the way up to a redline unless you are racing it. it uses more gas and causes more wear and tear on your motor internals and clutch if you shift hard after it. even quick acceleration isnt needed to go past 4 or 5 at most IMHO...i can easily get up to 60mph w/o going over 4k.

even factory manuals have tables showing when to shift for easy and quick acceleration while still keeping the best fuel economy. going past 5k isnt worthless only sometimes. going past 6k on a stock ka24(d)e is worthless unless you have modification to give power in that small 500rpm band before redline.