Hello all, Driving an 01 s2000 58k (a real gem). I was wondering how you all drive yours on a normal take off. It seems that I have to give mine more gas than I am used to with other cars (specifically the 350z), is this normal. Also when on the verge of stalling i here a strange clunking type noise .. anyone else hear this , is it normal or maybe something is loose? The car appears to have been very well cared for. thanks for your time.

 

What you feel is the difference in torque between a 3.5L V6 and a 2.0L 4. On flat ground I engage the clutch at 12-1500 RPM and take maybe 2 secs to engage fully without raising the revs. (Slips a bit until engaged.) Uphill takes maybe 2000 RPM or so and more slip. Downhill quite often I don't even touch the gas.

For more aggressive driving things can change quite a bit.

For the noise, I imagine you have a low frequency vibration to go with it. It could be that it's just the engine trying it's best not to stall. It's called lugging and is not good for the drivetrain. Downshift or if you are in first gear, push the clutch in and reingage like with a normal standing start.

It really depends on your driving style and where you drive....

 

My S makes clunking noises and bucks a bit if you lug the takeoff. Sounds and feels like a bad motor mount (I've checked them just be sure they are OK). Its just bad driver not being smooth, not enuff take off revs. Work on being smoother, better at takeoff.