Hi guys, I've had my s2000 for a little over a month and I have a few questions about
properly driving it

When starting the car, I usually rev to about 2k rpm and I keep my foot on the gas.
I then slowly let out the clutch and the car smoothly gets in gear.
However what I heard you should do is let out the clutch first until it "bites" then give gas to prolong
the life of the clutch. Is this true?

Secondly, when downshifting, I also do the same thing.
Clutch in, raise rpm with my foot still on gas, change gears, and then let out clutch.
I a lot of people blip the throttle instead and then let out the clutch.
Which is the correct way?

Are there any other proper driving techniques a newbie should know about?
Is double clutching necessary on our cars?
Thanks

 

I let the clutch out a little until I feel it grab then I give it gas. I don't know if that prolongs the life of the clutch but I've never had clutch problems in any manual I've had.

You are talking about "heel & toe". It sound like you've got the right idea. I'm not sure if it's something that needs to be done in normal day to day driving however.

The first time I heard about double clutching was Fast & Furious 1. I still don't know what it is...

 

The clutch is a wearable item, any time you are in the process of engaging or disengaging it is wearing. To reduce the wear, reduce the duration of clutch transition as much as possible while still allowing smooth acceleration and deceleration

You are matching transmission speeds and engine speeds. From a dead stop, transmission is at 0 rpms and the engine 850 (idle). Raise the engine rpm enough so as you disengage the clutch then engine does not stumble. Ideally the transmission rpms come up and the engine rpms go down until they are matched. With a small flywheel engine, I think 2k is a reasonable rpm to start at.

Good Luck

 

Double clutching involves letting out the clutch between shifts. Its not necessary on any car with a properly working synchronized trans including the S2000.

If you did need to double clutch...

A 3 - 2 downshift shift would go:
-clutch in
-pull out of 3rd and into neutral
-clutch out
-blip throttle to match revs
-clutch in
-put into 2nd
-clutch out

Welcome to the future though. Nobody does that anymore unless they're driving a tractor from WW2.

 

The 1951 Ford Prefect I had until recently required exactly that process, all day, every day as there were no synchros in the 'box.

I had to teach the new owner how to do so when I sold the car.

I don't miss it (the double clutching) but it did come in handy (the rev matching portion of the operation) many years ago when I broke a clutch and had to drive the car in that condition.

For a week - funny would never even contemplate such behaviour these days.

As for the OP's query, after a time you won't (shouldn't) even think about it, it will come naturally.

 

 

heres a weird question.

Why does the s2000 shifter have to be pressed down? i dont always press down...am i suppose to to go into 1st or reverse?

 

I'm 100% sure I'm following you. You only need to press the stick down when you are going into reverse.

 

The shift lever only needs to be pressed down to engage Reverse. Assuming the gearbox is working properly.

-- Chuck

 

It's all about being smooth with clutch engagement. Practice driving smoothly and rev matching at all times. Try to practice heel and toe as well.