Hey all, I'm new to the S2Ki, but picked up an '04 NFR two weeks ago. Sadly, I already got into some trouble with it...

On the second day of driving it around, I noticed that if I hammered it in 1st and shifted into 2nd, the car would lose traction momentarily and the rear would get a little squirrelly. Well, to make sure I had this under control, I tried repeating this on empty, wide streets and while the behavior was pretty sketchy, it seemed like something I could keep in check as long as I could aim the car straight w/the steering wheel.

Well, night falls (and so does the temperature) and I try to demonstrate to one of my roommates what happens when shifting into second under WOT acceleration. This time, when I shift into second, the rear end comes around pretty far, 45 degrees? I got thrown off guard and I didn't react properly (jammed brakes while trying to counter) and sent the front of the car into a curb. I fully realize that it was a foolish mistake and am just glad it wasn't worse. I didn't hit anyone, and would not have tried this if there were cars around. I messed up a bumper, rad. support and radiator, and a few other things, but the car aligned almost all the way back to spec (caster is still 23' too low, hopeful that a new used LCA will fix that) ...the damage wasn't that bad compared to what I've read with some other people doing the same thing. I'm still driving the car around and loving every minute of it.

That's a little background, so my question is, what is the proper way to react if the rear comes out on you during straight line acceleration? I probably should have counter steered while modulating throttle, is there anything else I should be doing? I've driven/auto-x'd RWD cars before, so I wasn't expecting the rear would step out so hard... reminds me of my school's old FSAE car, except I never hit anything with that, haha.

I'll be auto-x'ing the car this Sunday, so I'm looking forward to learning more about how it behaves. I told myself I wasn't going to push it until I got it on course, and now I F'd it up. Learn the hard way I guess...

Sorry that was so wordy.

I guess a side question is, now that my alignment is slightly tweaked, am I right in trying to replace the lower control arm first? What else should I go after?

Anyone ever have a rad. support straightened?

 

how fast were you going when you hit the curb?

 

Thats weird, the rear end shouldn't step out on you in straight line acceleration. Unless you have the steering wheel slightly turned thats the only way I could think of the rear coming around like that. Their also could have been a mechanical/alignment issue with the car?

 

It stepped out really hard, I don't totally understand it. Like I said, I've driven RWD cars before, and have been able to keep them in control even when the tires break free. The wheel was definitely pointed straight. If it's worth anything, the rear always steps out to the right.

It's possible there was an alignment issue. Assuming the alignment to the other 3 corners didn't get screwed up when I hit the curb, here's what the before specs where:

Front Left:

Camber: -0.51 (out of spec)
Caster: 5.44 (out of spec)
Toe: -4.4 mm (3.4 mm out of spec)

Rear Left:

Camber: -1.43 (out of spec)
Toe: 1.6 (in spec)

Rear Right:

Camber: -1.08 (out of spec)
Toe: 2.8 (in spec)

so I suppose it's possible that the alignment being off may have contributed? Rear toe was in spec however, so I don't know.

Now most everything is in spec and the car actually does feel a lot less twitchy... although the Honda Dealership that did the alignment just got everything back to spec, not the most symmetric alignment.

IheartAP1 - I'm not sure, I had scrubbed off a lot of speed by the time I hit it, 5-10 mph? The total list of damage (to my knowledge):

-cracked / scuffed lower right part of bumper (time for the OEM lip, hah)
-torn splash shield
-bent rad. support, radiator, and broke mounting bracket for the fan (I think)
-SMALL chunk out of the wheel (still balanced, no vibration)
-some suspension arm is bent somewhere, what do I do to get caster up?
-snapped wiring bracket off the headlight (not a big deal...)

 

Mine was pretty damn squirrelly when I picked her up a few weeks ago because of the bald rear tires. Ever since I got new wheels/tires it has been alot more tame and a little less fun.

The best thing to do is to keep on the gas and point the front where you want to go, the brakes are what did you in.

 

^^ I totally agree. I gave it more gas at first and the rear kept coming around, so I freaked when I suppose I should have laid into it or gently eased some throttle out while aiming the car correctly. I guess it's one thing to "know" what to do, and another to not fall back on your instincts / train your instincts to do the right thing.

 

Check your tire pressure.

Aim your steering wheel and stay on the gas.

 

I've noticed this car is very sensitive and even the tire pressure may cause some handling problems.

 

i agree with the tire pressure, mine were a bit low and when i reinflated them it made a world of difference. Good luck man.

-Ian

 

The back end started to come out and you gave it MORE gas?
You don't want to lift when the back end gets loose, but you don't want to give it more gas either! Neutral throttle.

If the back end wants to come out on the 1-2 shift, you need to work on being smoother with upshifts.