Hey guys,
I am a newbie (got used2002 S2 2 months ago) and struggled first week getting used to manual shift. but it's getting better and now I really love the car.
And I have a few questions about my car to many experts here.

1. Lately I've noticed that gearbox(i dont know if this is the right term) or the island in the middle where shifter and side brake are located in get warm when I drive in the traffic jam or in the local. I can even feel the heat coming up from the cup holder. I think it doesn't get warm when less gear shifting takes place like on a freeway. Is this normal? or time to change oil?or did I purchase a
wrong car? If I did, I have to seriously think about selling it.

2. I know this car isnt designed to produce high torque at low rpm, but I feel like
it needs a lot more effort and hp to drive in the local road when two people in the car.
Am I being over-sensitive?

3. I think this car produces a lot of weird normal noises but when driving slowly(1st or 2nd gear), and if there are little bumps on the road, I hear clunking sound underneath like something isnt bolted down properly. I dont hear it in high speed.
Does anyone know what could cause this?

I really appreciate your time and effort to answer my questions.
Things mentioned above may sound silly, but I care because I so love the car.
Cheers.

 

welcome to the board!

the drivetrain tunnel (the island) is going to get hot. The tranny gets very hot, and stays hot for a looong time after you turn the car off. Depending on the mileage and the last change, it could be time to swap out the tranny fluid, but this has little to do with the temp. You can just use Honda MTF. I know my tunnel gets hot, but I don't think I can feel heat eminating from it.. I'll let someone else comment on this.

weight definitely hurts the car down low since there is a lack of torque. The sluggishness around town with a passanger is probably normal. Just drive everywhere in vtec and scare the shit out of them, then no one will want to ride with you.. problem solved.

The car is notoriously noisy. The engine, clutch and tranny all make noticeable noises. It might be difficult to tell if noises are normal, and to accept them as so. Whirls, buzzes, ticks, whines can all be normal noises. If you can give some more info on the clunk you are hearing it would help a diagnosis. is it coming from the front? back? middle?

 

my tranny tunnel/island gets hot too, and yes i can feel the head. you're actually sitting RIGHT NEXT to your transmission.

 

I'd say find your closest local S2000 meet/group and let someone ride/listen to your car to tell you if any of your noises are out of the ordinary.

 

yes my gets hot too.. only in summer though...

 

I don't know about the clunking noise but I do also feel heat coming up from the cup holder after I've been driving the car for a while. Its much more noticeable when I have the top down, I think air gets pulled through the transmission tunnel into the car. When I have the top up I don't seem to notice any heat coming from the tunnel area. Congrats on the car, they're a lot of fun.

 

Like Wisconsin said, you're basically sitting right next to your tranny so you will indeed feel some heat if not alot. I guess it's safe to say that this is your first vehicle with a tight suspension? If so then it's probably normal to hear clicking noises, you'll get use to it over time. Remember that the S comes with tight suspension straight out the box, only thing is that if you didn't buy it new then the previous owner probably either abused it or it needs somewhat of a good maintance job.

 

The noises are abundant but give the car character. Best way to make sure the noises you hear are normal are to find another S in your area (check your local forum) and go for a drive. My guess is most of what you hear is normal for an S.

 

1)it's normal, but for the peace of mind, check if the big black loop of foam is still there or not. You might want to pop it out and grease the shifter anyway.

2)welcome to driving a honda, all the horsepower in the world and zero torque

3)check your tie rod ends and balljoint, if they are busted they will make clunkcing noise

4)

 

Thanks so much guys, I really appreciate your feedbacks.
I am much relieved now.

To: iam7head,
If tie rod ends and balljoint are busted, are they fixable?