I am a new S2K owner (2002). Does the engine have a rev limiter? I experienced a sudden feeling like downshifting when I was in first gear and doing about 7000 RPMs. Is this normal?

Also, what is VTEC and how do I know my engine is doing it?

 

Yes there is a "rev limiter", I believe its at 9,200 RPM. Also, if your engine has not warmed to 3 bars on the temp guage there is a "rev limiter" to stop the car from hitting v-tec which engages at about 6,000 RPM. This is probably what you experienced. Just be sure to let the car warm up properly before gassing it too much. Enjoy your S2000!

 

vtec = variable valve timing and lift electronic control

Basically there are two cams, one for low rpm one for high rmp, and after around 6000rpm, you get the cam that makes HP, but in the lower rpm range, you have the cam with good gas milage and idle...

Welcome!!! enjoy your S!

 

Rev limiter will limit fuel if you keep your foot to the floor, and cut you off at 9k. or 7k if is cold (don't do that)

However...it will not protect you from a mechanical over-rev.

For instance: you're up to 9k in third gear, and acdentally shift to 2nd and let the clutch out. The inertia of the car, using the tire traction and driveline, will mechanically spin the engine to 9500 or more. This will destroy the engine and cost major money to fix.

Here's the best tip to avoid this: DO NOT DEATHGRIP the shifter. If you hold it tight, you have no feel for where it's going. hold it normally and let it slide in where needed.

 

Bill, please stay on topic and give advice that pertains to the S2000.

 

Another tip, strange as it seems. Don't tuck your elbow. No one has ever suggested it to me, but getting your elbow out between the seats gets your arm working at the same angle as the gates. Alot of those 3-2 mis-shifts are people getting all jacked-up and yanking the stick ( ) towards themselves because their arm is on an angle (that and they wrap around the right side of the shift-knob rather than hand on top).

 

just to reiterate. do not try to go above 6000rpm until your engine is fully warmed up. (3 temp bars)

 

Thanks to all for the responses. My S2K is the most awesome car I've ever owned.

 

That's not how MY VTEC works.

Mine uses both cams ALL the time. There are different LOBES on each cam that cause the valves to open with different characteristics. When you hit the crossover point (about 6000 rpm), you will get the wild cam lobes and notice a big increase in power.

A common misconception is that you can lower the crossover point to get more power "down low". Contradictory, VTEC acts to optimize performance in both lower and higher rev-ranges.

I hope that better explains it.

 

i hate it when i have something in the cup holder and i gotta hold the stick up high