[FONT=Impact]Am a new owner of an old car, 00 s2k with 34.5k mi and have been experiencing a hesitation when starting off at 1k to1.5 rpms in 1st gear and car can and has stalled. (very hard to look cool). Car seems to have a miss even without a load at that rpm range. have tried the map whack and seemed to be somme improvement and have tried not to blip throttle to let ecu"learn" but I seem to have a slow learner. Car is all stock and only premium fuel in the 7 weeks i have owned and my next step is to change plugs . Any other suggestions would b appreciated. Thanks

 

i cant offer advise except to say plugs (when fouled)miss at high rpm's not at low.

 

There is nothing wrong with your car. You are driving a car that has very low torque. You cannot start off at those rpms like you would in other cars. You are lugging the engine (that's likely the "miss" you experience), as witnessed by the fact that you have actually stalled the thing out. this car develops its HP and torque up high. Starting off in this car requires quite a bit more revs, typically 2000 to 2500 rpm OR a very delicate clutch application. Stop punishing your S2000 and give it the torque it needs to get 3000 lbs moving.

 

I appreciate the quick response. I have driven manual trans for many years but have not encountered this situation unless something was'nt right. There is no problem with starting off with higher revs except concern about clutch wear. Any ideas on why the idle becomess rough at 1 to 1.4k rpms with a load on the engine? Thanks again

 

Because there is no torque down there. You are LUGGING the engine. You MUST abandon all your past experiences when operating this car. It is unlike any other you've ever driven. If you can't get this point into your line of thinking, you better consider another vehicle. Don't worry about the clutch. People drive the S in this fashion because that's the way it needs to be operated. You've got a 9000 rpm rev range. 2500 to get going from a standing start is nothing.
I'm sorry. I don't know what else I can say to convince you. I think the rest is up to you. Continue to lug the engine as you have been and you'll be looking at way more trouble than just a worn clutch.
Sure, you "could" start off at idle (1000 rpm), but you would have to slip the clutch a great distance. Then where's your clutch going to be in a few weeks? Remember, idle on this engine is just under 1000 rpm. How many of your other manual cars have you moved off using just idle? For those cars, idle might be closer to 500 rpm. Don't use "other car" thinking when owning this one. (I'll look forward to seeing more questions from you as you experience more S2000 "quirks.)

ps. The clutch on this car is quite small for what it must do. Although it can last a very long time with proper use, it has also been known to go in under 10K miles with abuse. Taking off at 2500 rpm (or even more) is not abuse. You just have to learn to get it moving and then get the clutch fully released as quickly and efficiently as possible.

pps. As the new owner of a year 2000 S, may I suggest you take a close look at some maintenance that may have been overlooked by the previous owner(s)? If you don't know for sure, do all fluids - engine oil, tranny fluid, rear diff fluid, clutch and brake fluid. Also year 2000 is the only year with a short life engine coolant. It should have been changed at the end of year 3.
Check the FAQs at the top of Under the Hood and also the "Oil Journals" for the recommneded fluids to use. Again, using "other car" experience may be hazardous to your car's health.