When shifting from first into second, sometimes I can feel the gears latching together through the shift knob instead of being silky smooth. I haven’t really noticed this with other gears, but it may be it just isn’t as pronounced. Any thoughts? Going to pay attention to wether or not this is when the clutch is completely out over the next few days as I can’t remember if so. Could this be related to the clutch in some way? My 2005 S2K is at 124,000 miles.

 

How old is the trans fluid, and what kind is it?

 

Just replaced it with AMSOIL manual transmission fluid a week or so ago, helped a little with making shifting smoother, but it isn’t consistently smooth still

 

Not uncommon to have some notchiness from 1st to 2nd - particularly when cold. With newer Honda MT fluid, after 10-15 min of driving the shifting smooths up considerably in my case.

 

Have you ever replaced your clutch master cylinder? I had mine changed over the winter and I did not realize how the old one was going out.

 

Maybe I'm an outlier here but....sounds like every Honda, ever...Honda transmissions are great, but they've always been quirky about 2nd....they need a little more finesse in that regard, and you need to pay a little more attention when shifting into it I've noticed. Take this from someone who's owned several different Hondas throughout the years. My FG2 & FA5 would both occasionally grind only 2nd ('11 & '10 respectively, so they had the carbon synchros) and my 02 ap1 also occasionally grinds if I'm not really paying attention; take a little more time to shift into 2nd.

 

What Kyle said.

Shifting at 4k or above also helps (you don't short shift this car). Also making sure clutch fully depressed before even touching shifter.

Last, and least, you can double clutch when things still cold, etc.

 

There's a million "my shifter feels weird" threads. That's because S2000 shifters feel weird compared to other cars. Me saying that may have just solved your problem.

If not...here are some steps to follow if you think your shifter action isn't smooth.

I'll assume you already have a good condition factory clutch.

Make sure the clutch fluid is cleaned.
Put clean fluid in it and flush it out. Make sure there's no air in the hydraulics.

Then ensure that the clutch pedal is adjusted per spec.

Check/replace the shifter bushings and grease.

You already have fresh fluid in the trans.

Make sure you're operating the clutch and shifter properly. Go for a drive. Let the trans warm up.

You've now got the trans shifting the best possible way its going to shift in its current condition.

These transmission relay a lot of feel through the shifter.

If there is still an actual issue, you need to explore more invasive options.

Additional Note...

Clutch and brake fluids are the most neglected fluids in the car.

If the clutch fluid hasn't been maintained by flushing every 2 years since the car's been new...it will take some time for you to recondition it via a few fluid changes. Keep it maintained by exchanging the fluid in the reservoir every year via a syringe.

Flush your brake fluid once every 2 years.

 

Guessing @JoshNNN 's car is "new to him." When I first got my '06 in 2014 I asked the same question and was advised 4300rpm or higher was the smoothest shift point. I immediately thought folks were poking fun at the New Guy -- but 4300 works!

-- Chuck

 

^ All good info here, but I would add that you should rebuild/grease your shifter if you have not done that already. LHT Performance in St Petersburg, FL has a kit with everything you will need to complete that maintenance. Here is a link to the DIY: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-un...er-diy-772277/

Here is a link to the very informative "What do I do to my new (to me) S2000?" thread: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-ta...first-1020648/