I have just completed the break in period and I started experimenting with the best launch techniques for the S2K. However I found something really strange, I held the revs at 5K then dumped the clutch and the revs shot right up to redline and I couldn't feel the tires spin or see any marks and the smell of burnt clutch was strong. So basically WTF happened, this is my first rwd sports car, I owned a Type R for a year and tracked it all the time and never had a problem like this. On my Type R I could only smell the clutch burn when I really feathered the clutch hard at the track....never when I dumped the clutch, so if anyone has an idea whats up with this please let me know.

 

did you put in a gear?
j/k

 

Feathering the clutch at such a high RPM will probably raze the clutch everytime! I'd just dump the clutch next time. It's always better to smell burned rubber rather than burned clutch.

I understand how you feel, I have a brand new S2K also. Take it easy....mang!


[Modified by ITRbroham, 8:35 PM 5/8/2002]

 

I actually broke the wheels loose today and spun them for a while, though not a burn out, it was enough to warm the tires up. Didn't really launch though, I'm afraid that it will just fry the clutch instead of launching. What I did was to drop the clutch to the bottom and bring it up right before engagement, reved the motor up and down around 6k, then let it go right before the engagement point, but timed engagement and WOT.

 

sounds like you slipped the clutch a little to much.
You must not have had it fully engaged at first therefore rpms kept going up and you got a little clutch burning and no tire spining. Next time let off faster on the clutch

 

This happens to every one I think. I think the best launch is at 6k. Rev to 6k and let all the way off the clutch. I am learning myself. The S is hard to launch.

 

If you give it too much RPM then the clutch can't take the power.

Has anyone had any experience with any aftermarket clutches? Does it make it undrivable?

 

All of you are aware that you are very likely gonna blow your differentials doing drag launches? The stock clutch is fine, and is rated to 450 or so hp. For these drag launches a beefier pressure plate would be a good option, but it makes the petal effort really heavy.

Even with a supercharger I've had no problems with the stock clutch/pressure plate unless "I" do something wrong. I would recommend revving to 6500rpm, sidestepping the clutch, and modulate the gas pedal until car is moving 30mph and then floor it.

 

sidestep the clutch

 

He does have a point about the diff possibly not being able to take the abuse. Can't wait for more wrecked S2000s to make the junk yard circuit for spares for us.

Honestly, I've driven alot of high HP cars, turbo Lexus's, 500+HP Hondas, etc. and the S2000 is the most fun I've had, I almost want to start collecting spares so I can really play. The donuts and drifting on asphalt is more controllable than dirt, anyone disagree?

 

like was said earlier its hard as hell to launch the S and its even harder on the rear diff id becareful its not worth the trouble i have seen many members with blown diffs my S is the backroad beast hehe i stopped launching hard when i saw about 5-10 diff breakeages it scared me hehe
thanks
chris

 

Agreed again, anyone seeing any blown diffs or broken suspension from drifting or 180/360's?

 

The S2K is not a drag racer it is a road racing sports car. Revving up the engine and dropping the clutch is not what the car is designed for. Take the car on a good road racing course and enjoy not only the power BUT the handling, brakes and great solid feel... ENJOY.

 

sshus, exactly...

 

I agree, which is why I bought the S2K vs. a fast line car.....I was just wondering why this happened. Thanks for the info

 

Dumb question, but what do you mean by this?

 

Roll your foot off the side of the clutch instead of pulling your foot back. Ideally the actuation will engage the clutch faster than you can pull your foot backwards off the clutch.

I've held two broken differentials in my hands, and a friend is on his fourth. Besides the differential, the CV joints, axles, differential housing, etc go boom too.

 

How does side stepping the clutch save the drivetrain components as opposed to dumping it then? Am I interpreting this wrong?

Even with a supercharger I've had no problems with the stock clutch/pressure plate unless "I" do something wrong. I would recommend revving to 6500rpm, sidestepping the clutch, and modulate the gas pedal until car is moving 30mph and then floor it.