I rarely launch my S2000, I've had it since December and probably have 6-7 times or so. I always do the suggested launch (rev to 6k, drop clutch, let it burn out by modulating the throttle until it catches traction) and everytime it's worked out fine.
Tonight, though, when I launched, the tires just chirped then the revs shot up, but I was hardly moving. The clutch had been slipping and just revving the engine. I quickly let off, and once the revs died it started moving fine and felt normal the whole way home (aside from the nasty burnt clutch smell).
So I'm wondering what happened? Why would the clutch suddenly slip (it was hotter tonight than any other time I've launched, if that would make a difference). If it was going out wouldn't it slip at other times, instead of just completely letting out all the sudden on a launch than being fine at all other times?
Thanks for your guys' insight.

 

Either its because you've heated it up and glazed it badly enough that it slips. (In which case, drive it gently and hope it stops slipping once you wear the glazed bits off) or you've worn it out. (In which case regardless of how gently you drive it, it needs to be replaced.)

Best of luck with the beastie!

 

[QUOTE=VTR_Gary,Jul 31 2006, 01:03 AM] Either its because you've heated it up and glazed it badly enough that it slips.

 

well it looks like your clutch might be worn out. the disk is like a brake pad when the material gets thinner then the pressure applied by the pressure plate gets less. the plate will only exted a certain amount of distance so if the disk is too thin then the plate is not applying all of it's pressure on the friction area.

a glazed flywheel and pressure plate will also cause slipping during heavy loads.

i would look into a new clutch.

components needed are 3 things
Clutch disk
Pressure plate
throw out bearing

Flywheel should be resurfaced if it has allot of meat, of not then it's time to get a new one (light weight flywheel maybe?)

 

how much would this cost?

 

Don't forget the pilot bearing.

 

yup its the clutch! i been there done that.. TWICE! ahhhaha.. not braggin about.. waste of money. now i dont even launch it anymore

 

Launchings a nice way to destroy the drive-train.

 

yeah rear diff!

 

I mean the whole thing, clutch, tranny, drive shaft, diff and axles.