Hello,

I just purchased a 2003 s2000.

I am new to driving a stick, and to sports cars altogether. My previous car was a '92 Accord.

I have learned how much fun it is to drop the car back a gear and pass someone, and take turns at higher speeds than I am used to. There are brand new tires the previous owner put on the car, but I believe the rear tires are only 225, not 245. The other day (it was dry outside), I and my 265 lb (I guess we exceed the cargo limit, as I am 180) buddy in the passanger seat was merging onto the interstate on a circular onramp, and was giving the car a good bit of gas and taking the turn pretty steep. The car started fishtailing. I immediatley let off the gas and the car straigtened right out.

Is this a normal thing? Was I just taking the s too steep and too fast with too much weight in it? In the future, how do I know the limits of how fast to take a turn, and how tight. I don't know the important stuff like whether or not to use the break, accelerate, or drop it back a gear.

Short of taking racing classes at the local track, what are some general tips for a beginner on having fun with the s, but being safe and keeping it well within its limits at the same time? I want to avoid fishtailing when I don't expect it...

 

ascertive? You mean 'assertive?'

Anyway, learn to drive a RWD car and be careful downshifting as you can easily go into the wrong gear, blow the motor, and swap ends when your rear wheels lock up.

I would HIGHLY!!!! recommend finding a local autocross club and do some autocrossing on a closed/safe course and learn to approach both the car and your limits slowly and safely!

 

Get a dominatrix for a girlfriend.

 

First, its assertive. Second, what brand of tires are on the car? The tires may be new but they may be a poor choice for the car. Also, if the rears are narrow, you will have stability problems. Weight isn't an issue here, just traction, which is tire related.

General tips, don't push the car unless you are familiar with it. This takes time driving it and maybe pushing it around in a parking lot where a spin won't hurt you or the car. Have you ever driven a rwd car before? Vehicle dynamics are different thatn fwd or awd, and you have to be attentive when providing throttle.

 

just do it. That is the BEST way to learn and understand weight transfer, car control, and how to recover from slides.

If you're going to own a sports car, it's worth it (for your safety, your car's safety, and your insurance rates) to spend the extra bucks on a good driving school.

 

Here's what we know:
When you go into an unknown room at night and the lights don't work, would you RUN in or would you carefully feel your way around the room?

Maybe you should "feel" your way around this new car and understand (in gradual stages) what the car can or can't do.

Maybe you should avoid these till you work up to them:
At least you understand this:
Funny how I found the answers to your questions in your own words.

 

Sure some old men and pussies will tell you to do Auto-X or track days, but what to those fags know? If you

 

[QUOTE=ElTianti,Nov 30 2005, 11:01 AM] If you

 

[QUOTE=ElTianti,Nov 30 2005, 09:01 AM] Sure some old men and pussies will tell you to do Auto-X or track days, but what to those fags know? If you

 

As others have said, you should try to ease yourself into getting used to the car. You have to learn how to walk before you run (something like that -_-a)

As for the fishtailing, a lot of things can cause the problem. Just as you mentioned, taking the turn too agressively, or having more weight (traction is a function of weight and coefficient of friction of tire. if you have heavier person sitting in the car, it will feel different from when you are driving alone), how you use your gas padel, etc.

If you want to learn the limits of your car, try auto-x. Great event (cheap and fun) and you learn how to take control of the car by learning how the car handles itself when you start pushing it.