vtec9

should be fine with GM SMFM.. make sure you get the friction modified version though as they also supply a non FM fluid. Do a search on synchromesh friction modified and get the part number, then call your local Cadillac dealer to check stock.

iRkennethMe

i was reading one of those JDM manufacture company's website... they say if you buy a new either carbonfiber or just aftermarket drive shaft it will eliminate the 2nd gear grinding problem... (5,000 for the carbonfiber driveshaft)

slipstream444

They're wrong. Wrong side of the transmission for that type of solution.
The problem is the weight (actually ... rotational inertia) of the input shaft, including the clutch disc. Synchros act (when the clutch is pressed in and you're shifting gears) to slow or speed up (up or down shift) the rotational speed of the input shaft to match the gear ratio selected and tied to the output shaft. A grind will happen if the speeds aren't matched. This is why rev matching is important as well.

As for the driveshaft, it's always spinning (Stock S2000) 4.1 times the speed of the wheels - that doesn't change unless you change the diff gears to a different ratio or use a non-standard tire size (different diameter than stock). The rotational mass of the driveshaft has a small overall contribution to the forces present at the backside of the transmission. Consider all the other rotational forces at work there (wheels, brake discs, half shafts, diff gears ...). Consider this end of the transmission the 'constant' in the equation.

Ultimately, (since you really can't change the rotational mass of the input shaft without spending big bucks) a lighter clutch disc would likely eliminate this problem completely (unless you've already destroyed your synchros).

Amsoil MTF and GMSMFM both have special friction modifiers that work better than Honda's MTF's in helping the synchros do their job. This is why they help solve some of the shifting problems. However, Amsoil MTF is the only aftermarket fluid listed as a direct replacement for Honda MTF. This is very important when considering your warranty. For note, Amsoil MTF is also a direct replacement for GMSMFM.

slipstream444

[QUOTE=vernfin,Dec 22 2005, 12:57 PM] I've got a 2005 S2000 with about 4500 miles on it.

Cape Cod

I'll tell you what works for me. Those of us that have been around since the first reviews remember the "Ya gotta drive it like you just stole it!" comment that found it's way into all the reveiws for the first couple years. I've tried different fluids and every imagineable technique (I've been driving standards for :gasp: nearly fourty years now) and nothing seemed reproduceable. Sometimes I couldn't get it into gear with double clutching.....repeatedly! And so finally here it is....my solution and don't rag on me if it doesn't work for you, but after 4 1/2 years of this irritation I find that if I stab the clutch.....hit it hard and fast as you can, and yank the shift the nanosecond my foot hits the floor she goes "snick snick snick" every time. I think that because of the difficulties I've had with it, I was just trying to ease it into gear and not do any damage. I now feel that by shifting "easily" and trying to baby it I was actually doing more damage. It's a leap of faith, but like the man said, "Ya gotta drive it like you just stole it". Hope this helps. (And I do change the tranny/diff every year {about 10,000 miles}).

vernfin

Well, with the lovely racket this car makes when you drive it hard, going like you've stolen it is pretty much a given! I think I know what you mean with the fast clutch and shift combination. However, I think I'll wait and see how much of a difference a change in transmission fluid makes. I've just ordered the the GMSMFM from HardTopGuy, but Slipstream's comment about using this stuff voiding the warranty makes me a little nervous. I going to look for some kind of confirmation on that (not that I don't believe you, Slipstream, its just that sounds pretty harsh!)

Thanks for your help.

slipstream444

[QUOTE=vernfin,Dec 23 2005, 12:40 PM] Well, with the lovely racket this car makes when you drive it hard, going like you've stolen it is pretty much a given!

XLeezardx

I got 4 quarts of GM Friction Modified syncromesh fuild i wanna get rid of. Interetsed? Pm me