If the incline is severe, I use the e-brake trick. Otherwise, I just switch from brake+clutch to gas fast and use enough power to overcome gravity (like dropping the clutch).

I have about 200kms on the car now and I am shifting most of the time at 3000-4000rpms. Sometimes I am up in the 4500-5000 range. Is this okay since it is under 5500??? or should I just shift down lower? [/QUOTE]

I shift 4k-5k during "normal" driving; never below 4k. I'd probably adjust down a bit for break-in (I got mine used), but not much.

 

When I learned to drive stick (15 years old), I went and found a parking lot with a slope. Practiced for 2 hrs one night, then a few more nights, but not as long. Get going, put in clutch, roll back down, stop, repeat. Just have to find that catch point where the clutch starts gripping. When I want to go, I release the brake and the clutch to catch point and immediately give gas and let the clutch out the rest of the way. You need quick feet, but I never roll back more than a few inches. Practice a lot and it's second nature.

With other cars (but not my S), I will use the gas/clutch method; apply just enough gas and ride the clutch so that you keep the car steady without using the brake. Riding the clutch like this isn't really good for the car tho, but it's the easiest way to get going (at least for me). I have never used the e-brake method. Both the cheapo manuals I drove up 'til the S had foot e-brakes. I don't even think they make them like that anymore.

 

Oh, and about the e-brake thing, something that I take for granted and figure you would know. When doing a hill start the e-brake method, hold the button in the whole time. You'll feel the brake actuation much better and be able to release it smoother when the time comes.

 

In a couple weeks you'll have it down. I just started three weeks ago on my S2000 and I'm doing very well. I have even VTEC'd it a few times, after the engine is warm.

Related question to this thread: If I launch and I'm going to VTEC I start slow, since I don't want to hurt the clutch. I don't see a point in "dropping it." I let it out like normal at normal launching revs and when it's engaged, I throttle up to almost 9k and shift to 2nd. Throttle to almost 9k and shift to 3rd. Is this the right method? One thing I noticed is that if I shift to 1st to 2nd, I may be letting the clutch out too quickly? Twice now the wheels catch and squeel for a micro second. Generally, I think I'm at the point where everything feels smooth when I let out the clutch...no catching, no noise, no feeling of weird friction. So I think I'm okay. Just had that one question.

As for launching. I'm still working on getting that totally smooth combination of fuel and clutch for a smooth launch. I can do it about 50% of the time, but sometimes I bump a little bit.

Advice: When starting out, drive without the radio off so you can listen to the engine, it helps.

When you guys are driving normally, do you let the car rev at 3500 (which it seems it will if you follow the shift pattern in the manual) or shift up one to rev at around 3000 (which sounds quieter and is probably more fuel efficient?)

 

When the wheels chirp, that's a good thing. I wish I could do it more often. Unless you me you are letting the clutch out without the rpm's up and getting a squeel as your tires slow down to match your speed (and the accompanying forward lurch). That's not so good. But it sounds like you are getting a nice chirp as you floor it into 2nd, in which case your shifting is perfect.

Also, when I drive "normally" I am shifting at 7500 or so (when it warms up). I rarely shift before 4000. Don't ask what my gas milage is tho. With the Neuspeed Exhaust, the car sounds amazing cruising at 4000rpm's. Also, when I really get on it, I'll let it creep up and just touch that first bar in the redline, then slam it into second. That's about the only way I can chirp the tires.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by GreenMarine
[B]In a couple weeks you'll have it down.

 

Yeah, its a chirp from 1st and 2nd. Like the rear wheels are sticking for a second. But it's fast and it's only happened twice.

 

Ah, I found the chirping thread.

Chirping Thread

 

Some points:

1) My preferred method of hill-starting has not been mentioned. I plant the heel of my right foot directly under the accelerator. I rotate my toes to the left, and use the ball of my right foot to press the brake pedal. I then roll my foot longitudinally (i.e. to the right) to manipulate the accelerator. In this way, I am operating two pedals with one foot. I'm on the brake the whole time, and can get the tranny engaged with a little gas before releasing the brake the moving my entire foot back over to the accelerator. This is a similar technique to heel-toe downshifting, which shares the same foot positioning, and also involves operating three pedals with only two feet. It's very easy to do once you've mastered heel-toe downshifts.

2) jvils:

Absolutely incorrect. When your wheels chirp, it means your clutch has locked up, and your differential is undergoing enormous hardship by having to fight the tires. Chirping the tires involves having power on the clutch before engaging it -- which is also known as powershifting. It's very hard on your entire driveline, particularly your differential. Don't do it often unless you like multiple-thousand-dollar repairs. The proper way to upshift is to let off the accelerator for a split second, shift, and engage the clutch and feed on power at the same time. The clutch will slip a little (which is its job) as it is re-engaged. The proper way to shift is that way during which you feel nothing at all -- this goes for upshifting and downshifting. Smoother is better.

That said, we can all agree chirping is fun. The best way to do it is to get used to using just the tip of your left foot for clutch manipulation. When you've engaged second (or third gear), go ahead and slam the throttle right as you side-step (read: slip your foot off) the clutch. Remember, this is NOT good for your car, and the weight shift will unsettle your suspension and could possibly cause you to lose control of the car if you're cornering. Don't do this if you're not an experienced driver.

- Warren

 

GreenMarine,

If you're trying to get the fastest ETs, it is not the best method. If you're trying to get pretty good launches without destroying your car, it is the best method.

I generally upshift at 4k when the car is cold. When warm, in traffic, 4k-5k is perfectly sufficient. If I have open road, it's 9.2k every time.

- Warren