I have almost the same setup minus different intake. I know exactly what you mean. I generally shift around 6-6.5K RPM from 1st > 2nd just to avoid that and the shift is a bit smoother anyways. I think it's probably faster overall than trying to get the last drop out of 1st and risking slamming into the limiter. The only thing that will potentially pull me from the JB4 on Map 2 would be a reasonably priced flash tune that raises the redline to 7,200RPM with a soft limiter and at least comparable overall power figures. Map 2 puts the Emira in a different category in terms of how much you feel the car push you back in your seat. I love it.