S2000 Talk Discussions related to the S2000, its ownership and enthusiasm for it.

Does having to rev your car to get usable power...

Thread Tools
 
Old 08-19-2005, 02:42 AM
  #1  

Thread Starter
 
kenstyle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,414
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Does having to rev your car to get usable power...

I'm a huge fan of this car, and I absolutely believe that all car manufacturers should continue to make more sub 3000 lb, great handling, driver-oriented, RWD cars like the s2k, but after I took an '05 for a spin I honestly felt that the power under 6000 rpm was a bit lacking. Especially with an MSRP for $33k. I mean, there are plenty of cars in that price range with a much more powerful engine, although none of those cars would probably offer the same exhilirating driver feedback as the s2k.

But after the F22c crosses into VTEC, it's a whole different story. For those mere 2k rpms , the car just blasts into straight power.

My question is, for those of you who daily drive the s2k, does it ever get old to have to wind up the engine just to get some usable power? I'm a huge fan of high-revving 4-cylinder cars (I used to have a b16a civic si ), but lately (after driving some torquey v6/v8 cars) I'm beginning to slowly convert to the dark side.

Does it ever get old for you guys to have to constantly downshift or rev the sh!t out of your cars just to pass some people on the freeway?

(this thread is by no means a hate thread for the s2k, so please take it as it is)
Old 08-19-2005, 02:57 AM
  #2  

 
dlq04's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Mish-she-gan
Posts: 42,156
Received 5,790 Likes on 3,410 Posts
Default

If you want to enjoy this car to the fullest then take it to the race track. If so then
keep rev
Old 08-19-2005, 02:57 AM
  #3  
Registered User
 
lamvu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

sometimes... it does.
Old 08-19-2005, 03:08 AM
  #4  
Registered User
 
s2kVABeachCruiser's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Many times I wish I could drop in a V-6...say from a new generation 'Z' car. Just for the torque and throttle response. However, there are things that can be done to improve lower end performance such as a different gear ratio in the rear end. I'm soon to install 4.44s in my car which should help a bit.
Old 08-19-2005, 03:56 AM
  #5  
Registered User

 
Liebernoodle's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Tree Town
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I don't really mind it at all. I only VTEC it maybe once or twice while driving anywhere. So for all the times that i'm driving at normal pace the low-end power (or lack there of) is just fine for me. Even below 4k rpm i'm still pulling away from most at traffic lights so I really dont think I need to push it any harder.

When I DO feel like pushing it though, that high-revving screaming engine only makes it that much more fun.

I guess maybe if I gunned it from every stand-still light i'd wish for more V6/V8. Who knows.

my .02
Old 08-19-2005, 04:43 AM
  #6  
Registered User

 
REVS 9K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I daily drive my car and shift between 4500-5000 rpms. The power in that rpm band is just fine. I feel that below 4000 rpm car does not have enough
get-up-and-go. Gas mileage seems to be fine for me 23 city / 28 hwy. When
driving for fun .... it's another story alltogether, although even with constantly beating up on the car, I have rarely got less than 21 mpg. I think that's cool!
Old 08-19-2005, 04:51 AM
  #7  
Registered User
 
Wisconsin S2k's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Milwaukee Area
Posts: 9,792
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

if you feel that you have to rev the car to redline to get "useable power" then you are driving the wrong car.

you can accelerate with 50% throttle and shift at 4000 or 4500rpm and be well ahead of traffic after leaving a stoplight no problem.

people say there is no "power" down low, simply because the vtec crossover is so dramatic.
Old 08-19-2005, 04:51 AM
  #8  
Registered User

 
jshimer23's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Phoenixville, PA
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

[QUOTE=Liebernoodle,Aug 19 2005, 03:56 AM]I don't really mind it at all.
Old 08-19-2005, 05:33 AM
  #9  
Registered User
 
Rogazilla's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Apex-Durham-Chapel Hill
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Wisconsin is right! The first week I got my car, I was vtecing all the time but I realize that even shifting at 5k, I am usually way ahead of the pack from the light. I prefer the high reving and Vtec, because I can daily shift around 4-5k for good gas milage and take it up for fun and on the track.
Old 08-19-2005, 06:37 AM
  #10  
Registered User
 
Veritas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Trumbull, Connecticut
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I'm with the rest of the guys, shifting around 4-5k is fine and you do pull ahead of people. If you're looking to pass someone quickly, just downshift and you're off.


Quick Reply: Does having to rev your car to get usable power...



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:24 AM.