I have a 2003 about a month and need advice on the break in period. It seems difficult to start from a light or a stop without revving the engine a little too much or else every other car is trying to pass me up. Is is OK to shift from 1st to 2nd then to 4th or 5th to get a good start without all the shifting. I live in New York and am constantly in traffic going and leaving my business. Other cars are impatient with the start up after a light.

 

let them be impatient. My question is, won't shifting 1-2, then directly to 4th, make you even slower, since you'd have more pick up if you went through 3rd? Perhaps I just misunderstand. Just drive the car as you see fit, and don't worry about the other cars. As long as you are not driving illegally, they can kiss your you-know-what.

 

I feel the something when start at traffic light! I used to have an '01RAV4, and it slow like a sluck for takeoff. After I changed to S, I was hoping to be free of those frustration, but NO, especially when you're takin'off on up hill. If you try to takeoff smoothly, or don't want your passenger to feel the jerk, chances are you've gotta take it easy, I guess.

 

OH good...

So it's not really me. I was wondering the same thing myself. The car either wants to pull hard at a start from a light, or ease it's way out like a Geo Metro.

(Well I guess some of it is still me)

Robert W.

 

s2k is one of the hardest cars to launch smoothly...imo

 

One suggestion is just feathering the clutch. Just enough for a smooth launch, but keep in mind don't stay on it too long or that's going to eat it all up.

-Johnny

 

take it slow, who cares if that soccer mom behind you is running late.... i am very selfish, when it comes to my car...i don't care how anyone else feels.

 

On longer stretches of road you can save a few "couplings" of the clutch by revving it up a little bit in 3rd (say to 5-6K rpm) and then shifting directly to 5th gear with no problems at all.
Daniel

 

I learned to drive on my uncle's 86 corolla (AE86 for all you Initial D fans) and I always felt that that car was a lot more touchy and harder to launch... Maybe you should get a beater car to learn on? (not to sound condescending, but it sounds like ur a nubie)