BOTTOM LINE - people just need to learn how to drive

 

Last week, I had a terrible mis-shift coming out of turn 12 leading onto the front straight at Sears Point. I was trying to get around a 300ZX TT while approaching redline in 3rd. With my attention diverted to the Nissan (wondering if I'd be able to get by before the approaching turn (1)), I banged 2nd gear instead of 4th. It's the worst feeling ever. Thank God the motor didn't give.

The 3-4 upshift (at redline) is the most problematic. The 5-4 downshift might be as well because of the possible 5-2. Like Road Rage and others suggested, proper technique/hand position is extremely important.

Anybody have/heard of experiences with mis-shifting into 1st?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2Thizzle
Last week, I had a terrible mis-shift coming out of turn 12 leading onto the front straight at Sears Point.

 

Thizzle, around 2 and a 1/2 years ago I misshifted from 5th to 2nd on the track whilst decelerating from 220kmh+ at the end of the straight for a high speed right hand corner. I went into 2nd at around 175kmh but immediately noticed it as soon as I let the clutch out. I simply popped the clutch back in and shifted back to 4th.

What was the effect?

Well mainly a terrible lap time for that particular lap. Since then I have put at least 40,000 km on the S2000 and nothing seems any the worse for wear.

 

The first gear blocker ring makes this VERY difficult (if not impossible) when going at speed. Even if you try when the speeds are correct for such a downshift, you must double clutch and rev match like crazy just to do it. If you are going too fast for 1st, even if you rev to the fuel cut-off, it will not go in easily. Of course, I suppose you can do anything if you put enough force behind it, but I think you'd have broken something else just before this happened.

 

it seems then that a shifter shaped more like a blunt or fat T would be ideal, rather like the shape of some automatic tranny shifters. The T could perhaps be angled slightly lower on the right side to be a bit more ergonomic, but this shape it seems would best fit the hand positioning that you were taught at the driving schools.

I wonder why shifters of this sort aren't really en vogue?

 

This link should help prevent mis-shifts:

http://www.shortshifter.com/techniques2.htm

I started shifting this way several years ago. Not only is it easier, but once it's habit it really requires less thought to get the stick to where you want it to go. Anybody who drives a performance car should learn this technique.

 

Honda could make a mis-shift blocker. Are you willing to pay for it?

 

I've only driven 1 S2000 once on a test drive and thought the gearbox was perfect. I took it out on a country road and drove it pretty hard and never had any problems even though I had never driven an S before. As far as I can remember I've only mis shifted once ever while I was driving a '91 CRX Si on a test drive. I let the clutch out fast and when the car started slowing down I kicked the clutch back in and found the right gear. That was when I was 17 and I've never had a problem since. I'm 25 now and been driving sticks ever since my first car when I was 16.

 

When I shift from 2-4 and 5-6 I flip my hand upside down. I guess reversing my hand so my thumb is downward and pushing the shifter towards the outside. I've never had a miss-shift using this technique.
Edit: I just found a page that sort of explains what I am talking about.http://www.shortshifter.com/techniques2.htm