After owning three previous convertibles up here in the Great White North, and driving soft-top versions of rented Cavaliers, Mustangs, LeBarons and Sebrings in wintery Arizona and the Pacific Northwest, I apperciate that the science of open-cockpit heating is a challenging pursuit.

I quickly learned that the cockpits of roadsters -- because of their smaller volumes and the built-in wind blockage provided by the absence of open space behind the seats -- are much warmer and less drafty than those of four-seaters.

And I learned that a real windblocker behind the seats, combined with raised windows, can do wonders to retain cockpit heat. I've often driven my Miatas in near freezing conditions -- admittedly with hat and gloves on, high collar pulled up, and heater on full blast -- while remaining quite comfortable.

So I was interested to determine exactly what Honda meant when it said its S2000 heater had a specific setting designated for optimum body warming when the top is down in cold weather. Yesterday I put it to the test, leaving the house at 9:00 a.m. in sub-zero temperatures (about minus 4' Celsius -- that's, what, about 25' F?) and spending the entire day putting on 300 klicks in total blue-sky comfort. This thing is clearly better than the Miata's set-up. The day became warmer -- probably climbed to plus 3 or 4' -- and I eventually turned the fan off entirely and even turned the heat down somewhat.

I'm curious to learn the coldest temps of top-down highway driving that anyone else has done in the Stook.

 

I had my top down after I first bought the car and it was about 50 farenheit, brrrrrrr.

 

I've been top down at about 35-40 degrees in my car and colder than that while riding with Greg in Scarlet. The manual indicates that the top should not be operated in cold temps, so I generally leave my top up if below 40.

 

Freezing, plus or minus a few degrees.



I'm thinking about getting electric seat heating installed, to supplement the heater. Time to contact Annie...

Ted

 

Who let Kenny drive my car!

Well, I think it was about 20 degrees this day (note snow in the background.)


No problems! I'm 6'3" so the top of my head gets cold, and that's why I have the hood on. We've driven it in 30, 40, and 50 degree weather, and as seen above sometimes 20's. Juliann was riding shotgun and took that pic. It's a hoot having people roll down their windows and ask if I'm cold! I always smile and say 'Nope, that's why there's a heater!'

 

GOOD FOR YOU, JASON!

we'll have to quit calling you a whimp now...

 

Look into this website for heated seat options. http://www.katzkin.com

As far as top down driving, on Sunday here in the north suburbs of Schaumburg, if you saw a shiny blk/blk driving around town with top down, that me...I'm guilty. I believe the temps were right around 40 degrees farenheit. . .I wasn't as cold as I thought I'd be.

Hell fish tailed it out of the local Burger King drive through lane with the drive-thru cashier ogling out of the drive-thru window. This guy litterally was hanging halfway out of the window to watch me leave.

Damn I need an aero screen. . .if I had one of these, the top would be down morning, noon, and night. . .cold or hot, but not in rain (unless someone can come up with a rain deflector).

 

Hey fellow Canadian!!

Same thing with me, 0 degrees celcius (32 F) and I was LOVING IT!!! Totally blue sky so the sun made it hot and the only thing that was cold was the top of my ears (I had a baseball cap on and a big black timberland jacket) when driving over 150.

This morning too it was about -1 but not a cloud in the sky and I drove with the top down..

I am certainly getting the most for my money putting down the top whenever it's sunny (totally disregarding the temperature).

I think it's so nice driving and having blue skies and white country sides full of snow.

Rob
Montreal

 

I'm a wimp so my cut off is +4 Today on the other hand with a balmy 9 degrees, I had the top down and a stupid grin on my face all day. With the Heater cranked and the windscreen up, it actually is a pleasant place to be. I think they did a good job wiht the design.

 

Annie and I have a rule about the top being down. Basically, unless it's raining, the top is down whenever we go someplace. We've been in 25 degree temps I'm pretty sure with the top down. All it requires is a hat.

Of course the driver's side does get better heat than the passenger side with the special setting, but that's alright.

BTW, we do have heated seats in our car, and it _is_ the way to go! One must be comfortable!

Ron