I'm on the edge of buying this cool S2K, but the thought of driving at 6K rpm is kinda weird. Does anyone actually use the high rpm capabilities of this car in everyday driving? It seems to me that unless you leave the car in 2nd gear on the Interstate, the V-train is never engaged and acceleration is pretty normal. Certainly the salesmen have no idea how to drive this car. Is there a way to "pop" it into 6K rpm and pass somebody? Or does the joy of this car really occur with what you get in ordinary driving below 6K rpm?

Input from you experts greatly appreciated.

warner

 

VTEC!

This is not an ordinary car in any respects. Even in the lower RPM band, the car outmaneuvers 99% of all the other cars on the road. If you want to "pop it into 6K rpm" all you have to do is shift--which is not exactly a lackluster chore. Once there, you got the power to go along with the maneuverability and then you're in heaven.

 

warner,

Is it just me, or did you just post the same paraphrased question in another thread? See my answer there. S2KALI is correct -- given any speed over 30 mph, at least one gear will put the engine above 6k RPM, and therefore in VTEC. Based on the way you phrase your questions, I'm beginning to wonder if you know how to use a manual transmission -- do you need help understanding one?

- Warren

 

I'm not trying to shoot you down or anything like that. However, if you are buying it for the looks and plan to drive it like a civic, the true purpose of the car is completely wasted. The S2000 is a "purist" roadster / sports car. If you are not prepared to drive it like a madman with your hair blowing in the wind and your body being tossed around from hairpin turns...than you will never get the enjoyment that the car was designed for.

 

i would say if these are your questions then the s2k is not for you

 

Swurvydel,

In one sense, I agree with you [I don't think someone who's confused about RPMs and the operation of a manual transmission should start on the S2000] but, on the other hand, I disagree with you. We (www.s2ki.com) are here to educate people: owners, enthusiasts, and new drivers, too. I have the feeling warner just doesn't really understand engines or manual transmissions -- but that's ok -- everyone has to start somewhere! Warner, if you need help understanding how it all works, feel free to ask -- I'll do my best to answer. And I'll try to keep all these nay-sayers in line.

j/k Swurv and johnnyboy

- Warren

 

At least he asked, cut him some slack ... Bud, go out and take a test drive if you haven't done so then come back and tell us what you think it's like.

 

I spend half my driving time between 6 and 9K RPM and I and the car love it The engine was designed to rev high and to enjoy it you have to use it. It performs beautifully under 6K, better than most cars, but the real fun is on the other side.

 

Thanks everybody! Whew! Suddenly I need to defend my manhood! First, my apologies for putting this on two forums, I incorrectly figured I would catch different audiences. Yes, I only drive manual; yes, I love going around corners at high speed and the car begs for more; yes, I love the wind blowing in my hair; yes, regardless of temperature, the top is only useful for when it rains. Yes, I have never done 42 mph in 1st gear for fear of having to chase the engine block down the road, but apparently the S2K just opens up a new performance range to drive in! Neat! Glad to hear the VTEC gets used, glad to hear I enter its range with a downshift at speeds > 30. I loved Warren's tips on "how to use VTEC" (floor it until you hit 9k, shift; repeat). OK, admittedly a bit more aggressive than I normally drive, but it does sound like fun!

You've been a big help, one minor question: if you're doing 65 or so in 6th, and you want to pass that truck NOW, do you go to 5th or 4th?

Another question: let's say I'm in high rpm in 4th, I'm talking on my cell phone like I shouldn't, and rather than shifting into 5th like I want, I miss and land in 3rd. Is that high rpm going to get me in any trouble, or do I just have to peel my chest off the steering wheel like in a normal car?

Finally, I hear a lot of people in this forum talking about clutch noise and windows that don't work. Think this is still a problem for a 2002 S2K? Are the problems really high incidence?

warner

 

I would put her in 3rd gear at 65mph, that will put you in vtec range... perfect for passing trucks

and if you are at high rpm in 4th you are already going over 100.... shifting into 3rd is not a good idea. I did that once... well shifted into 2nd instead of 4th.... instant redline and slowed a bit, but I immediately shifted into third (was at about 70mph), this is not recommended, as it scarred the hell out of me, and the guy behind me, heh...

I only have about 1k miles on my s2k and I have had no problems with my clutch or windows at this point. Another will have to answer this one for ya.


--Fayde

02 white s2000
99 blue WS6 - Trade in