How to launch a s2000
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How to launch a s2000
I am running about a 14.2 on the quarter miles...and my car still bogs on my launches...I was wondering what percisely to do to get a perfect launch...and also if anyone has any videos that would help
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Athens, Greece, Europe, Earth, Universe
Actually this depends on many factors. ie road surface/quality.
However i had launched the S on 5000rpm and sometimes 6000rpm to get a good launch but I always felt like going higher. The best launched I had was when I was at 7500 to 7800rpm. It was the first time that the car pushed me hard! BUT I had a good launch at 5500 to 5900rpm with the difference, that the quality of the road was not good.
REMEMBER that you could break your differential when launhing on high rpms!
However i had launched the S on 5000rpm and sometimes 6000rpm to get a good launch but I always felt like going higher. The best launched I had was when I was at 7500 to 7800rpm. It was the first time that the car pushed me hard! BUT I had a good launch at 5500 to 5900rpm with the difference, that the quality of the road was not good.
REMEMBER that you could break your differential when launhing on high rpms!
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 9,792
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From: Milwaukee Area
never try to launch at low rpms!!!
if you bog, this puts a greater strain on your drivetrain and diff. IMO, one of the most common causes of diff failure is improper driving or launching. (aside from any factory defect that may be present) While our diffs are a weak point, they are not made of glass and can likely take plenty of launches IF done correctly. FWIW, i have yet to see someone who does launch correctly, and can run 13's, actually break their diff in stock form.
My first S2000 had about 1000 launches on it (sometimes 30+ in a single day!), and my current S2000 had abotu 500 before I got the comptech diff. While doing anything such as a clutch dump is a risk, so is accelerating quickly to 9000rpm. So many people are just so quick to point out diff failure, but never account for how many of those can be from improper/poor drivers.
as for launching, no one can tell you what rpm to launch at. though above 5000rpm is a safe bet. but the correct rpm will depend completely on traction conditions.
for a good video and tips on launching, see the link at the bottom of my sig. it provides exactly what you're looking for.
if you bog, this puts a greater strain on your drivetrain and diff. IMO, one of the most common causes of diff failure is improper driving or launching. (aside from any factory defect that may be present) While our diffs are a weak point, they are not made of glass and can likely take plenty of launches IF done correctly. FWIW, i have yet to see someone who does launch correctly, and can run 13's, actually break their diff in stock form.
My first S2000 had about 1000 launches on it (sometimes 30+ in a single day!), and my current S2000 had abotu 500 before I got the comptech diff. While doing anything such as a clutch dump is a risk, so is accelerating quickly to 9000rpm. So many people are just so quick to point out diff failure, but never account for how many of those can be from improper/poor drivers.
as for launching, no one can tell you what rpm to launch at. though above 5000rpm is a safe bet. but the correct rpm will depend completely on traction conditions.
for a good video and tips on launching, see the link at the bottom of my sig. it provides exactly what you're looking for.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Charlotte
The S2000 was built from a clean sheet of paper to be a great roadster. To quote Colin Chapman "To add performance add lightness". Honda took that to heart. Unlike most cars where the drive train has to be engineered around mulitple HP and engine combo's the S2000 was built around one engine with no plans for others. There is very little overengineering on the car. The result of this is that its not a very good drag car and can become very expensive fast when you use it in a manner it was not intended.
If you want to drag a roadster pick up a 98 or 99 BMW Z3M with the S52 240HP engine. Its quicker then the S2000 stock and the drivetrain is overbuilt to handle the European twin vanos engine with 321 HP. There is a bolt on twin screw supercharger kit that takes the car to 350 wheel hp and it still runs for ever. The only week point is the differential attach points and there is a simple kit to beef them up. If you drag your S2000 get your checkbook out and ready for the repairs. Also please don't try and scam Honda with warranty claims from racing. It makes it that much harder for the rest of us to get our cars fixed when we have legitimate problems!
If you want to drag a roadster pick up a 98 or 99 BMW Z3M with the S52 240HP engine. Its quicker then the S2000 stock and the drivetrain is overbuilt to handle the European twin vanos engine with 321 HP. There is a bolt on twin screw supercharger kit that takes the car to 350 wheel hp and it still runs for ever. The only week point is the differential attach points and there is a simple kit to beef them up. If you drag your S2000 get your checkbook out and ready for the repairs. Also please don't try and scam Honda with warranty claims from racing. It makes it that much harder for the rest of us to get our cars fixed when we have legitimate problems!
Joined: May 2005
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From: Tallahassee, FL
I would think that as long as there is a bit of wheel spin, to get inertia going, it shouldnt be that bad, provided you do not slip the clutch. I bring mine to around 6000-6300 RPM then side-step the clutch. Tires will break loose, let off throttle a bit til they link up, then floor it. If you do not let up, the tires will scream all the way through 1st gear, and sometimes (depending on conditions) into 2nd.
Personally, I would rather fry my tires than my drivetrain!
John
Personally, I would rather fry my tires than my drivetrain!
John
