I've seen some posts about top speed each gear can manage, but what about shifting for fuel efficiency? At what mph's do you usually shift? Or at what rpm do you stay around? The reason i'm asking is that, not only is the s2000 new to me, driving a manual is too.

 

i dont own an s2k, or have a lisense , but you should shift around 3K-5K rpm for best fuel efficieny... i'd say no higher or lower than 3k and 5k rpm would give you the best
have fun, and welcome to s2ki!

 

That's what I do, and I average around 26 mpg in Tampa traffic. Hope this helps

 

thanks guys. also, i think i may have a problem... but i'm not sure because this is my first manual car. sometimes in third or forth gear, if i let off the accel., there is this buzzing noise. is that normal? i don't think i'm in the wrong gear... like 35 mph in third...

 

35mph in third gear is fine, hmm...the buzzing im not too sure about, can you explain it more?? the location of the noise, etc..

 

If your S2000 is a 2000 or 2001 model then yes and no the buzzing noise is normal.

There was a TSB released in regards to this problem and you should be able to have it taken care of at a Honda dealership.

 

Good question although I doubt very many S2000 owners on this forum drive their cars for fuel economy.

Having said that, I've owned many motorcycles and one manual transmissioned car and all of them had information in the owners manuals giving recommended shift points for maximum fuel economy. Since I don't presently own a S2000, I can't say if this is true for the Honda but I'm sure someone out there that does own one can verify it for you.

One thing that I found consistant in the info I've had on this subject is that the shift points have always been "way" lower than I would ever have guessed. My current bike, an '98 ST1100 recommends shifting at speeds that have the engine anywhere from 1300 to 1600 rpm. This bike, like the MY04's, has an 8000 rpm red line and those shift points are just barely above idle. Definitely not practical in any traffic situations I've ever been in.

I would be curious to see if Honda lists this kind of info for the S2000 though. Any of you owners care to look it up? Thanks!

Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

Read The Fine Manual!

It lists the optimum rpm to shift for each gear for maximum efficiency. In my '01, it was between 3,500 and 4,000 for each gear; but they gave a different rpm for each gear. As if anyone would really memorize six different rpm numbers and then stick to using them in daily driving.

 

Between 3,000rpm to 4,000rpm and you are all set.

 

I think the up shift recommendation of '04 S2000 for fuel efficiency are: 1st to 2nd at 15 mph, 2nd to 3rd at 25 mph, 3rd to 4th at 35 mph, 4th to 5th at 45 mph and 5th to 6th at 52 mph. All these speeds are about 3500 rpm for the corresponding gears. Since '04 has more low end torque, these shifting points may not be the same as '03 and before.