Is it an abrupt change over to VETEC, like a turbocharger, or is it smoother?

 

It is not Jekel & Hyde because that implies opposite characteristics. That is not the case. The S2000 pulls like a real strong 2 liter engine below VTEC engagement. It just gets REAL strong after 6000 rpms.

Remember VTEC not only optimizes the engine for high RPM, it's other side is that it is optimized for lower RPMs also. The best of both worlds.

That being said it is like a big sportbike hitting it's powerband.

It is like as one person has already said the secondaries kicking in on a big V8 with a four barrel carb.

It is like hitting the afterburner.

Just when other cars are running out of steam you have 3000 more rpms of pure unadulterated power.

 

Thanks for your quick reply 9000 RPM.

I've driven big barrel V8s before and when you wanted that extra kick, you just punched it to the floor and volia, immediate power.

Does the S2k deliver boost that fast, or does the wait to 6,000 revs feel a little on the long side?

I know the S2k isn't a torque monster, but do owners have to adjust their ideas of how speed is delivered in order to be happy with the Stook, or is it just as immediate as the big block V8s?

 

The former and not the latter is accurate. IMHO, the power delivery of the s2k couldn't be more different than the last v8 I owned (a 1967 'Cuda). Lurk around on this board and you'll get a feel for the car. Bottom line is that kick in the pants acceleration is always right there, it's just two downshifts away.

 

In my limited experience driving, you have to shift and use the RPMs to get the most out of this car. You can lug it along just fine down to even 2,000 RPM, but if you want it to fly, you got to be up- and down-shifting to operate in the higher RPM ranges. I love that: the shifting makes this car great fun to drive and requires skill and smoothness. And mind you, since I'm still 400 miles short of being able to go into VTEC, I've been driving under 6,000 RPM all along.

Also, the sound of this car, the sweetness of the exhaust note, is wonderful, and adds to the joy of driving, provided you're not after the Lexus dead-quiet environment (for wimps, IMHO, who put luxury before performance).

 

It pulls like a V8 from 6000 RPMs up

It pulls like a strong 2 liter 4 below 6000 RPMs.

Like the man said it is only a downshift or two away. That is why it is so entertaining because shifting this car is pure pleasure (after the tranny update).

 

Well, that certainly explains it.

So, big-time down shifting will get us the extra oomph when we need it. The key is to go down two gears, not just one (depending on the circumstance, of course). I can see now why it's important to have such a high redline; without it, downshifting so low at such a high speed would create a distruptive drag on acceleration. I have not driven an S2000 yet, but I assume that downshifting two gears probably creates a more responsive car.

Do I have this right?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SomethingWicked:
[B] Well, that certainly explains it.

 

As far as speed delivery, you really don't feel it until you hit VTEC, but you're definitely accelerating. I posted earlier about how amazed I was at how fast the S2K is, but you really don't realize it until you've seen someone else driving one.


[QUOTE]Originally posted by SomethingWicked:
[B]Thanks for your quick reply 9000 RPM.

I've driven big barrel V8s before and when you wanted that extra kick, you just punched it to the floor and volia, immediate power.

Does the S2k deliver boost that fast, or does the wait to 6,000 revs feel a little on the long side?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BlackPearl:
...as for the drag on acceleration...
FWIW, in any high revving car if you don't rev match or feather the clutch properly when going into the upper rev ranges you WILL be jolted and unsettle the car...
IMHO, just make sure to rev match, especially when down shifting into vtec....you will not be dissapointed with the surge of power at your disposal....