Had an odd thing happen today; does this sound familiar to anyone? My car is stock, tire sare not yet down to the wear bars but will be within 2500 miles. Decided to do a full-power take off from a stop light. (No, not a clutch drop, max-out thing, just taking first gear to 9k and shift) So, I pull away, floor it up to 9k and instead of a solid, quick shift with a fast clutch, I let the clutch out too slow (I think). Anyway, the back end did a little dance left-right-left. It wasn't a big deal but it felt like it could have become one if I had messed with the wheel at all. I once saw a video of a Civic do this and spin out of control during a street drag. One second later, traction caught and all was well again. So, did the slow clutch cause the differential to apply power assymetrically? Was it a bump in the road I did not notice? Tires seem fine, pressure equal. Thoughts? Made me a bit uneasy to full power it up again but car drives just fine. Thanks!

 

Was it particularly cold or was the road wet? Sometimes if the tyres (tires) aren't warmed up the traction levels might not be as good..

Also with S2000s bumps can disturb the car a little if you are accelerating flat-out.

 

sounds like a one-time thing that has too many unknown variables. Wet road, cold tires, road debris, etc.

 

Thanks for the reply. The road was dry, tires had been sitting for only 30 minutes.

 

I don't mean to offend by stating the obvious, so be patient if I do. I admit I am still learning a lot about driving, even at my age. Sounds like maybe because you "slow shifted" the rpms probably dropped waaaayyy off as opposed to hard shifting where there is a little more rev-matching going on. Engaging at 1,500 rpm as opposed to 6,000 can make for quite a bit of braking effect, upsetting the cars rear. Once the engine and rear wheels were speaking the same language (clutch out-revs up) the back end settled down a bit. Just a guess, hope it helps.

Footnote: next time instead of a 1-2 shift try dropping to 3rd or 4th gear so that the engine to wheel ratio is a little more in sync.

 

very strange... i can understand how this would happen in a corner, but straight line is unusual.
you have too much torque!! now figure out where you got it, so i can have some!

 

You broke the rear wheels loose when you shifted. The revs weren't matched for your upshift to second. Once the wheels are spinning they will regain traction, but typically not at the same time depending tires, road conditions, debris, etc. This gives the car the wiggle. If you change your driving style and not change your shift rythm, it is easy to not time the gas and clutch engagement properly. This is most likely to happen in low gears, i.e. high wheel torque and/or on a slippery road.

 

Thanks for the insight everyone! I'll try and see if it repeats with a "proper" shift technique. Again, thanks for the help. Wannabe, I'll let you know if I ever have some extra torque for sale. Maybe I'l even organize a group buy!