non vtec had shorter gear ratio's its wasnt by much than the the non sh tranny but i got a great deal so i went with that. here ill break it down for you. not that much of a diff. plus so i could add the quaife lsd i couldnt do that with th sh tranny

si non vtec
1st 42.8mph @8500rpm
2nd 76.3mph@8500
3rd 107.3mph@8500
4th 137mph@8500
5th 174.5mph@8500

5th gen base
1st 43.1@8500rpm
2nd 72.4
3rd 105.4
4th 137.0
5th 174.5