Black Moon,

If it helps, my initial experience with the S2000 was that it ground and crunched into gears more than I thought any Honda should. I routinely KERR-runched into 2d and just as often had some more gerrunching into 3d. It started to get on my nerves.

After about six months or so, things improved, and now after a full year, it's a dream to shift.

One thing to remember, this is not a cable-actuated FWD Honda transmission. Even when warm and run-in, it still has a "mechanical" feel. The press calls it "rifle bolt" and that's probably the best description I can imagine. It is not the light, smooth, and seemless shifts of an Integra or BMW (two of the best cable-link shifters). Instead, you feel the precision-machined pieces sliding together with each shift. It's more direct and precise than "smoooooth". I've grown to like it.

Hope that helps. Be patient. It will improve.

As for anyone not able to get 1st at a stop. I usually find that putting the car in neutral and releasing the clutch (lifting off the pedal) will allow the car to get into 1st without a fight.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'll be patient.

 

Mine is '00 # 6798, I've grinded like 3-4 times, and I could tell it was driver error. Once I learned how to drive it as the miles built up, I can't remember the last time I had a grind. And I've been chirping 1-2 a lot lately before I got my new tires

 

This morning I took it easy when it was cold, held it a bit at the point of resistence on the 1-2 shift and it worked great. I also let it warmed up to two bars before leaving. There is a sweet spot in the temperature where it is silky. About ten minutes after start up, it is silky then after further driving it will get a bit notchy, this is when I have to speed up the 1-2 shift. Ah the precision of the S As long as I don't grind I am happy.

 

I spoke to Ernie at Nelson Honda..........He got me a new clutch and they put some urea grease............now, its all good.