As great as the S2000 box is, and as much as we 00-04 owners can disagree on practically anything, I think we all agree that the 1-2 shift in this car, especially when cold, is the worst: it is "notchy", "vague" (that is my term), "crunchy", etc.

I suggest a simple answer that just might extend the life of the synchros over the long haul: double clutch you 1-2 upshift.

Now, rather than give a Cliff Claven techno-babble explanation of synchro action, double clutching is a technique that all but ensures a smooth shift, as it optimizes the speed of the synchros and gears. If you have ever driven or listened to a big OTR rig (18 wheeler) rowing the gears, you will know what DC is all about.

If not, here is what I do:

1) Accelerate normally in first
2) Depress the clutch and put the car in neutral, with your hand positioned as if you were going to go to 2nd
3) Leave the car in neutral, and let up on the clutch
4) Depress the clutch again, then shift as you normally would by moving the gear lever to 2nd, and easing up on the clutch.

If you still get a crunch, your tranny needs work.

Depending on how your morning drive is, I would recommend this on the first 3 shifts until the box starts to warm the fluid, and all the gears, oils, and synchros "get friendly".

 

I've actually had the tranny pop out of 2nd about 3-4 times since I've own the car (2 1/2 months). Two times were in the past few weeks. These were normal shifts too, not racing. I'd go from 1st to 2nd and begin letting the clutch out when the shifter just moved itself back into neutral. Very strange. One time I actually ground 2nd gear because it popped out half way and I didn't notice as I came out on the clutch. The car was warm everytime if I remember correctly.

Kris

 

Good idea, Road Rage. I'm not sure if I can clutch in and out fast enough to keep the revs up when shifting, but I'll give it a try!

My method which works well is simply to delay the shift and treat it as a two step process, 1-N-2 with a noticeable pause in between. I could easily just yank the shifter to 2nd in my previous cars and that doesn't work too well with this one. Keeping a bit more leftward pressure works pretty well, too. Changing out my clutch fluid seemed to make a pretty nice difference, too.

///Robin

 

I guess I got lucky cause I never have a problem 1-2 and can even shift without using the clutch at all if the rpms are right.

 

couldn't you just pause for longer before engaging the clutch and get the same result. if the rpms are right , synchros hardly work.

 

I always double clutch the 1-2 when the car is cold. Even with a prolonged pause - the 1-2 is notchy when cold. Never really grinds though.

Just replaced the tranny fluid @ 11,800 miles with Honda MTF. No real difference in shift action.

The old fluid looked pretty clear if that means anything.

 

I've found the slight pause at neutral between 1-2 pretty much takes care of the clinky, catchyness until things get warmed up. And to help combat the vagueness and ensure engagement, to mask some of the synchro roughness and provide an overall solid, positive, direct and "quality" feel, the extra weight of a Ti Voodoo is highly recommended.

ron

 

A slight pause between 1 & 2 works for me - even when everything is warmed up.

 

The worst shift in my experience when the car is not yet warmed up is from 2 to 1, even when car not moving. I use the "pause" technique described above but even that sometimes doesn't work, so I doubleclutch from 2 to 1 even though car isn't moving. Great idea re doubleclutching 1 to 2 when you're in no hurry.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Road Rage
As great as the S2000 box is, and as much as we 00-04 owners can disagree on practically anything, I think we all agree that the 1-2 shift in this car, especially when cold, is the worst: it is "notchy", "vague" (that is my term), "crunchy", etc.

I don't have that problem, at least not yet anyway, but I do have the
"notch" into 3rd gear at any speed and any temperature. I have had it since the car was brand new. I think it's normal right?