I'm no great driver, but around town I keep the revs down around 3000-4500. Smoother shifts and better control all around. One thing we all have in common, especially guys, is that we all think we're great drivers. And one common error less experienced drivers make is thinking high performance driving is just regular driving but faster. That torque in low gears and high revs will sneak up on you quick. And mistakes at high speeds can be unforgiving--those pro drivers have unbelievable reflexes, and an uncanny ability to make the right decision in a split second. Take a course to get to know your car and yourself. And watch those revs in street driving.

 

Unfortunately, you're absolutely wrong. I had been driving manual cars for 10 years before I purchased the S2000, and in fact that's all I've ever owned. The problem is, they were all FWD cars. The first time I "lost it" in the S2000, it wasn't due to shifting gears, or not rev-matching or anything like that. It was simply power-on oversteer. I was travelling 15mph in 3rd gear. Cold ground, cold tires, a little morning mist on the road and too much throttle in the corner (which in the conditions was actually less than 25% throttle). It took an instant for the tail to step out. I had no experience recovering in a RWD car, so I did almost everything wrong (lifted off the throttle, and I was "behind" with my steering, etc), but was fortunate to recover after a couple of fishtails.

I think the FWD->RWD transition is more of a difficult one than the slushbox->stick transition. And it's even exaggerated by the S2000's finicky nature. It'll bite you in the ass for some of the smallest mistakes.

I'll agree with the advice given above: "Get thee to an autocross (or other performance driving training)."

 

Actually that exactly explains my situation. I went from FWD > RWD. Never thought that tail would swing that easily.... geez..

 

new tires should do the trick

 

Reading comprehension > You.
I'm currently on T1Rs and can tell you that they are much easier to drive on than the OEM S02s (though I don't know how they compare to the AP2 stock tires). They have lower limits, but the limit is much more gradual and the tires generally bark at you before they break loose (on dry pavement, at least).

 

[QUOTE=CKit,Oct 18 2007, 06:52 AM] Wait for it.... wait for it....

 

In 1993, I bought an RX-7 twin turbo (255 hp, and of course rear wheel drive). I remember a person in the service dept. warning me that the car 'does not tolerate fools gladly.' Once or twice I did get unexpected tail wag. The problem there was that most of the 217 lb-ft of torque was available at 2500 rpm, and you could get more acceleration than anticipated in first or second gear, often preceded by a bit of deceptive turbo lag.

The S2000 is considerably more forgiving. If you watch your rpm's, you can control that breakaway torque in the lower gears. Still, you must watch out for unexpected hydroplaning in wet weather if those rear tires are worn a bit low. Don't try to get the last few miles out of them. Personally, I just yesterday bought my third set of rear tires after 37,000 miles. I consider that an investment in the safety of my body.

 

[QUOTE=mxt_77,Oct 17 2007, 06:21 PM] Unfortunately, you're absolutely wrong.

 

in the situation you described for him, the wheel is yanking the motor up to speed, not vice versa

 

I must apologize for causing great confusion regarding how this slipping happened. I was already in 2nd gear before I entered the corner. Upon entering the corner going for a right turn, I pushed the car too hard causing tail to swing leftward sliding to the opposite lane. I don't think this would've happened if I were in my FWD car. But yea... must not push the car above its limit when entering the corner...since it's RWD