I have 3000 miles on my 02 and I feel like there's too much engine braking - i.e. the moment I take my foot off the gas pedal the car wants to stop. This is specially obvious in 1st & 2nd gears but I can feel it even in 6th on normal higway driving. Is is normal and I just have to get used to it or what? Thx!

 

I think what you are experiencing is normal. The drivetrain spins up and down much faster than most cars. Definately not "like your father's Oldsmobile." It takes time to be smooth on and off the gas. And if you see your passenger's head jerking back and forth constantly, that should give you some hint as to a need for being smoother.

 

Also high compression engines provide more vacuum, thus engine braking.

 

I'm not sure I understand what you guys are trying to say. Isn't it all controlled by the ECU via input from the MAP sensor, TPS & the IAC system etc. I mean, shouldn't it be able to control it to make it smooth?

Thanks!

 

Did you have an automatic before the S2000? The torque converter in an automatic slips when you let of the gas so you don't get much engine braking. The S2000 does seem to have more engine braking then my old 5-speed integra, but I chalk that up to the stook's more powerful engine.

 

Never owned an automatic :-) My previous car was a 98 prelude, 5 speed. At the kind of rpms I'm talking about (3K-4K), I think the prelude had pretty much the same power, if not more.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 'smyroad
[B]Did you have an automatic before the S2000?

 

Well, it wouldn't be vacuum that provides the engine braking - it's compression. If the air in the cylinder is compressed more tightly, it takes more force and if you're not adding gas, it's all pumping loss...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mas
[B]I'm not sure I understand what you guys are trying to say. Isn't it all controlled by the ECU via input from the MAP sensor, TPS & the IAC system etc.

 

Very good explanation! I cay say I'm satisfied now :-)

Thanks!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jguerdat
[B]

No.

 

Along with the gearing is the high RPM too.