I know this question sounds odd, but even though I enjoy my spirited drives and drive the s2k like it was designed, I really try be good to my clutch and drivetrain. I make sure to double clutch or rev match on all downshifts, don't abuse it, etc. I also try to help others do the same . . . I went for a ride in an s2000 with a local owner recently and they were doing none of the above . . . downshifting by slipping the clutch, etc . . . and I was trying to help them learn and they posed the question about reversing.

My answer was in most tight situations (especially in cities where you are paralel parking or coming out of parking spaces) it seems to be very difficult to let the clutch pedal all the way up when reversing. The fact alone that the s2000 idles around 2,000 RPM's when warming up means you'd be going way to fast to be safely navigating your way backwards. I know its the same in most cars, but do you find yourself in a situation where you are having to leave the pedal half pressed when reversing?

Always makes me feel bad, lol any excess slippage is painful. Maybe I'm just very picky with my cars, but I cringe when I see someone riding the clutch, not matching revs, etc . . . and reverse seems like a no win scenario and I'm stuck doing it several times a day getting in and out of clients offices.

 

The idle rpm and full clutch engagement means I'm flying backwards way faster than I want to be. I also try to be good to my clutch, but when going backwards, I'm only using my clutch foot to regulate my speed.

 

I think thats pretty common practice, at least it always has been in all my manual cars. I was just curious if there is any extremely talented individuals out there who can do otherwise, lol.

 

Yes, sometimes you just have no choice but to feather the clutch. I dont think it's that bad for it and the clutch is a wearable item anyway. As long as you don't smell burning, the clutch should be designed to take some wear.

 

I don't think I've ever reversed with my clutch fully out. I should never be going that fast in reverse.

 

Ya I agree, if you smell burning clutch in reverse you either have serious driving issues or are having some very strange type of fun, lol.

 

while reversing, i let the clutch grab just enough to get a nice roll then i floor the pedal so the clutch is fully dissengaged. the car is now freerolling backwards.
the only time im ever in reverse is when im parking. so i only need her to move a few feet at the most. clutch is slipping during this time for less then a second.

 

Ya I know, like I said I think its common practice . . . but if your backing out of a driveway into a roadway, you are talking about a half depressed clutch pedal (read slipping) for a good 2-3 seconds if not more while you are applying light throttle to reverse. Just feels wrong doesn't it? lol


If your just simply backing out of a normal parking space or something, I usually will try my best to do what Jeggy described and just release it enough to get it rolling then disengage (push the pedal back to the floor) it again and hope I have enough roll to get back).

 

you double clutch on downshifts? why not just rev match?

 

I treat reverse the same as first gear. I "pump" the clutch a little if I'm just backing into a stall or when I just need to inch backwards a little bit. But if I'm reversing half a block? Ya ... clutch comes out ...