Well, here is my limited experience. I have 19 autox this summer and I run RA-1s. I typically do a soft launch (3-4k moderately fast clutch rise), I might get a very slight wheel spin followed by a slight bog too. It does not feel too hard on the car and I have never noticed any driveline/tranny/diff slack. One of my regular autox lots is dusty and has lots of pebbles and this technique allows me to get nice wheel spin. The other lots have better surfaces and the launch is tougher but in no circumstances does I really feel I am stressing anything (other than accelerated clutch wear). I do use Amsoil 80-90 synthetic in the diff. I have tried the high rpm/slipping clutch method one time (back when I first got the car) but slipping through 1, 2 and 3rd and smelling the clutch for a week convinced me that this is not the proper way to launch a S2000. I don't think my clutch ever fully recovered but I have many autoX since then and it still works. I just aways accepted that my launches would not be terribly competitive and I would have to make up time in the corners (most of my racing buddies have WRXs, you should see the sick launches they get). I guess I should try the 6.5k clutch dump technique since as my driving skills (and my desire to be competitive) have increased I know the importance of gaining a 1/4 second or so as a result of a good launch.

P.S. Oh yea, I had two Fiat Spyders (1800 and 2000) and a X19. All of these RWD cars were easier to launch than the S2000 probably in part due to the crappy, skinny, all season tires I ran back then.

P.P.S. I won't play the blame game if I blow my diff. I might whimper a little but it is certainly no ones fault from S2Ki.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RED MX5
...
If you are really into smoking the tires, get a car that doesn

 

Hi Red,

Thanks so much for the reply. Your comments are well taken. Agressive driving isn't really what I think I'm buying the car for but you "know" there "will" be some time along the way that I'll get on it. It's inevitable.

While I'm no stranger to manual transmissions, it's been a "very" long time since I've spent any significant time in a car the caliper of an S2000. So......, I'll just take it easy and build my way up. One thing I would like to do is take a driving course. I've heard there are those that allow you to use your own car? That way I could get some professional instruction and a better idea as to how MY car feels when pushed closer to it's limits (not to mention mine!) under relatively safe conditions. I certainly don't have any dreams of setting new lap records at where ever it happens to be but if I can come away being a better, safer driver, it'll be money well spent. Not to mention one heck of a lot of fun!

Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

i have not done autox with my s yet, but i have done track time and drive it quickly on the street sometimes.

what i don't do is get rubber in any gear, on purpose. I let out the clutch and then floor it, sure it maybe slower but i do not expect any drive components to suffer or premature tire wear. i also love the gearbox the way it is and expect with 1-2nd or 3rd gear speed shifting that the quality will suffer.

i can pass whomever i want in most situations a clutch drop and the advantage of rubber burning seems to have escaped me with this car...sure with my mustang it was a different story, but somehow i just don't see this thing designed for that kinda abuse!

your mileage may vary.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Intrepid175

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RED MX5

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Legal Bill
All correct except the part about Midget/Sprite trannies.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by hirev
i have not done autox with my s yet, but i have done track time and drive it quickly on the street sometimes.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BlitzSRM
red,

 

Update, and apologies to some above.

Today at the autocross, this thread came to mind and I watched my launches carefully. I was able to launch reasonably well as low as 4,000 rpm by quickly flooring the throttle while engaging the clutch, so it can be done. The launch only spun the tires a few feet, but it was enough for my purposes today. I noticed that at 5,000 to 5500 rpm, i could again controol the length and duration of the launch witht he throttle.

I guess with more experience, the need for higher RPM is lessened as you can more smoothly and quickly apply gas to avoid the bog.

Anyway, some said they would try launching at 5,000 or 5500 or something and I just wanted to say that 5,000 to 5500 was more than enough for me to launch today.

Launching at 3,000 to 3500 was not good.