Hey all, I have a 2002 S2000 with 117,xxx miles. I recently bought it last year and I notice that when I go from 2nd to 3rd at a higher rpm (6k-9k) that it gives me a little fight. The best way I can describe it is it feels like it's grinding. However, this does not happen when downshifting into 3rd. Nor does it happen in any other gear. When I shift from 2nd to 3rd, I shift it into neutral for a split second and this seems to help. This is only a problem on the track or when I'm shifting at a higher rpm like I said. Any suggestion as to what this might be? Thanks!

 

Recently changed the fluid?

You're probably not letting the shifter rest in N for a second and going straight into 3rd.

 

My car does the exact same thing

 

Same here

 

Look at the shift pattern. It's an "H" (well, double H), NOT a backwards "N". You're probably shoving it from 2nd to 3rd on the diagonal. You should be going up, right, up.
(It might also help if you flush and bleed the clutch fluid.)

 

Currently I have the Corvette synchromesh transmission fluid in. It could very well be that I am shifting too fast and not letting it sit in "N" for a split second. As for shifting like a backwards "N", I think I actually do that : x. I will try shifting with the "H" pattern and see how that works out. Thanks to all for the input.

 

Your "Corvette" fluid is just GMSM-FM. Some S2000 owners swear by it while most say it doesn't last long. Some have even dumped it after 2 weeks as they can't stand the notchy shifting anymore. Look at how a closed gated, short throw 6sp tranny arranges it's shift forks and shift pieces. If you shift on the diagonal when going 2 to 3, you are actually trying to snag 1st. No wonder your tranny fights you. The tranny is sitting there wondering, "Which gear does this dummy really want? 1st or 2nd?". Same thing when you do it 3 to 2. You're trying to snag 4th. With this one, you're more likely to grind. Whether you're actually grinding 2nd or 4th, who knows?

 

Sounds like what everyone else is saying. your pushing in a diagnal motion not the proper H. If this trans was like the old mucie 4-speeds you would be on the side of the road locked into 1st and 3rd gear..... car doesnt go anywhere then....any old motor heads done that before?

 

It was "3 in the tree" for me with a '52 Chev back in the 70's. Stuck it in 2nd a few times. Had to get out, open the hood and manually move the linkage to unstick it. I learned very quickly to never shift on the diagonal.

 

Idk about his but for me its definitely the synchros. Doesnt have to even be a high rpm shift and it grinds. At high rpms id be afraid my trans would fall out if i slammed it in. The PO even had it looked at by a couple places that said the same. I always found it wierd that i can do a 4-3 shift all day and it never grinds but 2-3 does like crazy, even if i put it into neutral for a sec and then third.