I bought a 2001 S2000 with 12,000 miles two weeks ago and love it! So far though, I have kept the RPMs down in all gears below 6000. The reving/engine noise the car makes at 4-5000 almost makes me think its hard on the engine. Someone please tell me it isn't. Also school me on this:

a) can I go to VTEC (8,000 rpms plus) in any gear? And, if I wanted to do the fastest 0-60 time wouldn't it all be in 1st gear, or maybe some of second?

I just need an overview of how and when it is best to go over 7 or 8,000 rpms.

thanks
robert

 

This car is made for that....you are not hurting it don't worry. Take it to 9000 in every gear is fine as long as you don't stay there for a very long time. To get the best 0-60 Redline 1st and 2nd gear and should be a little past 60. If you are not used to a high revving engine, it may seem like you are hurting the car, but trust me you are not....it's like a motorcycle engine. It was made to rev and rev.

VTEC is like around 5800 RPM and the 2nd cam profile which really makes power is from 6000-9000, so if you haven't been above 6000, you haven't even experienced what this car is all about. Go redline it!!

One piece of advice: Check the oil often and make sure it's clean and got enough to prevent damage.

 

I think to be put it in perspective - yes, the S2k was designed not to be damaged by 9K RPM - but the piston velocity at that engine speed is tremendous, and all things being equal, will result in accelerated wear over an engine that makes equal power to accelerate the car but at lower revs. Or, for that matter, an S2K where the owner never shifts past 5K. You should enjoy your car to be sure, but understand that it will likely not last as long if every shift is at redline.

Clean, quality oil is essential, as previously posted. If you let the oil drop, and go into a hard corner, you may lose oil pressure monetarily, and at those elevated RPM, heat will build up very very fast compared to an engine that works in lower RPM ranges. I would guess that it could be a matter of seconds between everything OK and a blown piston or conn rod.

I cannot vouch for it, but I recall someone posted that to go from 8K to 9K puts two times the stress on the engine.

 

you are abusing that s2000 by not reving it! go stomp the gas pedal until you see the red lines blink and come back and tell us how much fun you had

s2k abuser....

 

On any other forum this would turn into one big

Gotta love the integrity of the S2000 owners!!!



TAKE THAT CAR TO REDLINE!!!!

Then, like Checkered Flag said, come back and tell us how much fun you had

 

And another tip:

Get your VIN off your car, then put it into your profile - you'll be an "Owner"


Start Button -> Edit Profile -> you can figure it out from there

 

poindexter, I'll edit the profile. thanks. So driving down the highway at 55 in third gear is okay. Almost seems like fifth and sixth gears are a waste...

 

yeah, a waste of gas! not fun though

 

You can actually do 55 in second



When I am cruising down the interstate, I drive in 6th to save gas. When I am flying down the interstate - 3rd

 

LOL...you guys are funny

The S was built for 9K redline and it could be considered abuse if not driven to it's potential....however, I do understand where you are coming from. I am scared to vtec it because of the sound the engine makes at 9K rpms. But after a while, it does become music to your ears