Clutch problems with 5k miles?

[jembr325]

Hey Guys,

I just bought an s2k and now thats its getting toward summer (no snow!) I've been doing some basic mods (plugs, intake, exhaust). (Prior to this I had a modified 97 Accord VTEC that I drag raced often as well as a 07 350Z.)

I took the car out to an empty stretch and tried launching it for the first time and it did not go well at all. I launched at about 5700 to 6000 rpm and the clutch appeared to slip (clutch did not grab even after it was let all the way out and car went immediately to redline as I let on the gas further). After I let of the gas the clutch finally grabbed after a second or two past redline. The car smelled of clutch for the next hour. I tried it a second time at 5,000 with a similar result although not as bad as I was more hesitant (more burt clutch however). The car doesnt seem to have any problems out of first gear -- but first gear counts. To me, this felt like MASSIVE clutch slip, but I cant Immagine I would need a new clutch after 5,000 miles.

Any ideas on what this might be? Did honda install too tame of a clutch on this car?

If this is common, any tips on getting the launch right without burning up my clutch would be great.

[8695Beaters]

The car's only got 5000 miles? I suppose you bought it new (under 100 miles). You never know what happened to the car while it was on the dealer lo, but I doubt that they could inflict so much damage to it.

Honda didn't build the car to drag race. It's a roadster not a Mustang, and was built to handle really well, not get down the quarter mile. So 1) the clutch isn't meant to take that kind of abuse. It can hold up under a sustained load, but a drop like that will do damage to any clutch. 2) Remember the car has no torque under the VTEC threshold but a lot above it. Even if you hadn't fried the clutch, you would have roasted the tires with a launch like that. Don't launch it so hard. You should have known that if you drag race as much as you say.

[jembr325]

Exactly, typically you would be burning your tires vs just sit there without any engagement. I read somewhere about a device that honda puts on their car to induce clutch slippage as not to shock the tranny. An S2KI forum indicated that it can be resolved with a new slave cylinder among other suggestions -- I'll have to research this a little more.

In retrospect, this might be the cause -- and would make sense given what happened. I suppose the s2k is just a different animal -- in the way it was built and the way it drives.

I'm not saying I'm a professional driver, and not a serious mechanic by a long shot, I just like to do this for fun. I had never had an issue like this with any of my previous vehicles, which was why I was confused about it. =)

Thanks for your feedback, and if you know more about the issue described above I'd love to get your input. (I'll attach the article when I get a chance to go back and review after work)

[8695Beaters]

Actually on most cars you do both. Most people don't realize that a lot of the smoke on a stock car is not the tires, but the clutch. The they try to drive off. Oops. Still no clutch should get that wasted that quick. I've never heard of the clutch adjuster thing, but my experience with that car is minimal.

A couple of things to consider with this car are these: The S2000 was really well built from Honda. Like the EVO and the NSX, there are many parts, but most of them will actually slow you down instead of making you fast. The intake for example is actually quite free-flowing and only one or two intakes on the market have any gains. Cams almost never have any gain (except near redline), and and the head can't be ported without a loss of some kind. Be very careful about what you upgrade and only use the best parts. Also, look out for bad valve retainers. The stock one suck and will wear out very fast (in some cases as fast as your tires). Get them replaced ASAP before they let loose a spring. Also, look out for the bumpsteer out back. Get a bumpsteer kit for the car soon too.

[jembr325]

Hey thanks for your continued feedback.

I'm looking for the article on S2KI, but I cant find it -- too many reports on clutch problems. I also noticed that a substantial number of the s2k owners are having issues with the OEM clutch (wearing out at at less than 10K!!!!!!). There are probably 100 posts or more having to do with the issue. It appears that Honda did a poor job with the clutch on this car and many seem be saying the same. Comptech is recomending immediately replacing the factory clutch with ACT others are recommending STAR. Any ideas? Check out the S2KI site and type in "clutch" and look at all the responses.

[jembr325]

Okay here is a link on that mentions ap2 s2k clutch delay (S2000 Forums -> Clutch slipping after only 6,000 miles).

Any ideas on best dealerships in chicago for repairs? I'm going to try to get a new clutch under warranty.

[PrimeTimeV6]

Good luck with waranty on a clutch. Most dealerships will not waranty a clutch if it has any signs of abuse and trust me they can actually tell then they separate the tranny from the motor. I would call the dealership first and ask the about it before bringing it in.

[8695Beaters]

I agree with Primetime. When clutches burn, they leave purple streaks on the disk. You can tell in a second what happened to it. If you need a new clutch, then go ahead and upgrade (You won't go wrong with ACT. Go for a Stage 1, that's about all you will need. Anything more will be a waste and will make your leg sore. The last owner of my 240SX put in a Stage 3 clutch and it is killer. My shop is worried I am going to break something in the transmission). You might as well look into flywheels too, since you need to pull everything apart. If you are going to start modding your car, then find a good repair/tuning shop. Dealers will shy away from modified cars. Also, something as simple as an intake will void any warranties on your car, so if you are worried about that, then you should be leaving your car stock.

[jembr325]

Good point Primetime, Beaters,

Thanks again for the ideas and feedback.

I have an appointment scheduled for Friday so we'll see what they do -- I'll give you an update. Luckily, there is a TSB for the clutch for many s2ks so maybe they will still fix it.

Side point -- Beaters, I've never heard of 24 Hours of Lemons. Is this a real race? If so would love to check it out. Could you provide details... also when and where do you guys meet up here in Chi? I'd love to meet up with you all and get involved.

Thanks guys!

[8695Beaters]

Yes, it actually is a real race. The premise is to buy/build a car worth no more than $500 (excluding safety gear) and race it for 24 hours straight.

Our race is going to be at the end of August in Stafford, CT. The website is, oddly enough, The 24 Hours of LeMons. Sport Compact Car, HOTROD, Car & Driver (multiple times), and Road & Track have all participated and written articles on the race. Go check them out. Our team is for confirmation that we will be racing, and we won't be hearing back until early June. Our team is meeting in DE where we all live. Once we get our invite, we will be getting the car safety prepped.