quite haonestly, shift when you feel it is right to shift! I am shifting into 3rd on a 95 civic dx at around 35-40, them into 4th around 55 and 5th around 65. It is all stock and i have nvr had any problems with it. I would tell your boyfriend to walk if he doesnt like it. either that or sit down, shut up and hang on, ok i stole that one.