S2000 Talk Discussions related to the S2000, its ownership and enthusiasm for it.
View Poll Results: Do you consider the need to downshift to get into the powerband a joy or a chore?
I like having to downshift to get into the powerband.
90.77%
I wish I didn't have to downshift so often.
9.23%
Voters: 130. You may not vote on this poll

Downshifting.

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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 03:34 PM
  #1  
RED MX5's Avatar
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From: Dry Branch
Default Downshifting.

One of the reasons I bought an S2000 is because I love a peaky power band. I love shifting gears, and digging into the gearbox for power enhances my driving pleasure. I have always assumed that anyone who would buy a car with a peaky power band and a six speed manual transmission must also like shifting and using the gears to make power, but clearly not everyone enjoys it as much as I do. Now I'm wondering if I might not be the odd man out, so I've started this poll.

If you enjoy downshifting to pass or get into the power band, then select the first answer.
If you'd rather have enough torque to avoid most downshifts, select the second answer.
If neither description fits, criticize my poll.
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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 03:38 PM
  #2  
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I love downshifting but I also like to just go from 500RPM all the way to 9000RPM in first and second gear so I can really feel the VTEC change point!
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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 03:40 PM
  #3  
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I love the peaky power band too. Shifiting is a joy, especially in the S; if you come from driving N/A 4 cylinders, downshifting is part of the deal. It does make autocross a little more interesting though as I find the S is one of the few cars that REALLY needs to downshift into 1st (trying to power out of corners at 4K in 2nd doesn't make for really quick times).
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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 03:46 PM
  #4  
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I dunno, man. Our engine lacks torque, relative to others in its class. If you think downshifting is a chore, maybe you should have gotten a different car (I'm thinking of Z, Mustang, etc..). Or worse, maybe you should have gotten an AUTO.

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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 04:48 PM
  #5  
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Grew up on a RM 250. Yeah, close gear ratios and a screaming engine baby! One of the main reasons I purchased the S.
So you have to pay closer attention to the powerband and mechanics of operation. Big whoop. Instead of embracing the "puttin' your foot in it" mentality just try to become a better driver through more proficient shifting. Dropping a couple of gears and exploding to life? Might as well, she's got one of the best trannys out there. I can't imagine why someone that doesn't like to shift would own this car.
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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 04:55 PM
  #6  
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Its what this car is all about.
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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 04:55 PM
  #7  
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Rowing the gearbox is part of the fun!


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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 05:00 PM
  #8  
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From: Scatterbrainia
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Anyone who asks "Who would want to rev an engine to 9k to get any power?" has obviously never tried it

Nothin' like downshifting to 3rd at 70mph to pass a few cars at once
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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 05:26 PM
  #9  
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my favorite is "I hate that you have to drive it like you stole it to get any power"

a simple response: the engine contains forged internals and engineering based on years of f1 experience.. you don't drive it like you stole it, you drive it how it was designed and meant to be driven

I voted for #1
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Old Apr 25, 2006 | 08:05 PM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by FILTHY BEAST,Apr 25 2006, 08:55 PM
Its what this car is all about.
True. You have to the art of driving to really enjoy this car. Since owning this car, heal and toe-ing are instinctual, essentially everytime I am on the brakes.
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