Come for a drive with me.

 

Definitely need to shift quickly (and smoothly) in the S2000, rpms drop quick compared to other cars.

 

You need to experiment more. There is no single magic sweet spot. I apply enough gas to anticipate the next gear shift (up or down). I don't fully lift off the throttle.

 

Did you buy the S used? Maybe a previous owner put an ultralight flywheel into the car. Def try another S and compare.

 

It's kind of like s***ing. Don't wait too long, but if you're doing it too much, you're doing something wrong.

 

Smooth is key it should be like this racing or cruising. My ap1 is harder to cruise its a bit of a learning curve. I double clutch and blip gas all the time when cruising. Try different things you will find what works for the occasion. Fast shifting and clutch dumping is not what works for me. Try slowing the process down yet keeping rpm up with a quick blip on gas and easy on clutch dumps. Don't be afraid to use the clutch or even burn it a little to find your sweet spot. Practice a few burn outs in a vacant parking lot. Rev it up to 6 k and slowly let off clutch see how that feels.
Better to burn a little clutch than break parts. Practice practice practice.

 

Thanks for all the encouragement!

On the odd chance 4300 rpm wasn't sarcasm I tried it and it seems to work well in city driving. Coming from old English sports cars and a couple of genuine muscle cars the 8000 red line takes some getting used to -- thankfully the rev limiter works 'cuz this engine seems hit it in a second merging onto the freeway (OK, showing off on the ramp).

Pretty sure the car is stock other than the black aftermarket wheels I'm pulling as soon as the set of stock wheels arrives. I just installed a K&M induction (believe it or not had one on my V6 Accord). I doubt it adds any useful power but the audio is stunning and makes no noise at highway speeds.

27mpg at 85mph (300+ miles) sound about right?

As far as I can tell by maintenance records the transmission and differential oil need to be changed. I'm going to try doing both myself based on the excellent photo essays here.

-- Chuck

 

Other threads on the matter:
https://www.google.com/search?q=shif...sm=91&ie=UTF-8

 

Faster is smoother. 0.5 seconds per shift. 1 sec max. Shift at 4k+ rpms. Don't skip gears.

Honda recommended shift points in an AP1 for best MPG

1st to 2nd - 15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd - 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th - 40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th - 47 mph (75 km/h)
5th to 6th - 52 mph (83 km/h)

These are too low for the smoothest shifting.

 

I think I drive fairly tame, but those numbers do seem low. Oh well, my s is still better on gas than my truck lol.