aolsen

Hey all. I was wondering if we could share pointers on spirited driving here. I would like to hear tips for the manual transmission c230K with the M271 engine. I have an '03 C230k sedan (6spd).

I've come across comments online where people have said "you have to know how to drive it", referring to the C230.

So, how do you drive your C230 when engaging in Spirited Driving? If you have an automatic, feel free to share your thoughts as well.

I know there's a thread on here about shifting, but it seems directed towards normal, everyday driving type of shifts...

Thanks! And remember, Don't Leave Canned Drinks In Your Car During Winter!

06c230hwd

lol, im auto but when i wanna have some fun i just throw it on S-mode and drop into the "tip-tronic" tranny so i can manually shift.. such a lag when shifting though from 1-2 i gotta hit it at like 4 grand or im in the red

Mu9enx

same, that's my only gripe. tip tronic is good, but it will never be like a manual

JonathanMax

Spirited Driving, eh?

Pretty general, but a blind spot mirror is a must. Unless I'm going 90+ and not driving fast with anybody else, I don't need my side mirrors. I also try to stay away from tint, so I can spot cops easier. haha

As for the 6spd shifting, personally, theres not much to it. Its a world of difference for when I drive my RSX. I can mess around with V-tec and everything, so thats pretty satisfying.

06c230hwd

VTEC!?!? OOOOH SHEEEET THATSS FASSSTTTTT


:rolf :

JonathanMax

lmao! its not fast, but its different to drive.

CoupeCrazy03

Just know how to keep your revs up with heel/toe downshifts. Drive safe though, do all your spirited driving on the track.

D_Star

I sure believe your VTEC aint fast
Does the RSX in US come with VTEC engine or I-VTEC?
Such a sweet engine

Sorry little off topic here.

JonathanMax

haha i-vtec. most of the new v-tecs are all "i's", aren't they? I think its a decent engine. reliable, but just no torque at all!

Mu9enx

still, it's fun and great gas

06c230hwd

buddy of mine used to have a 2000 or 2001 civic si - i'll tell you what -- i dont care what anyone says -- vtec is fun as sheet to drive

JonathanMax

hah Thats the same engine as my RSX. It really is fun... the clutch is a lot more smoother than on the W203.

C230 Sport Coup

For me "spirited" driving came with suspension upgrades.
Prior to that it was a slush machine, fight to stay in the seat on corners.
With upgraded sways and springs that when things got spirited.
(I won't mention pulley since y'all cain't get one, or least not that works properly unless you get the Kleeman kit).

As far as driving, I use the Auto like a manny, and generally keep in 3rd gear except in tight corner when I drop to 2nd.
3rd gear if good for up 85 mph or so. And if you hit redline at that speed, it just flies when it hits 4th.

Mu9enx

is that possible? thought the RSX started the K series ?
or maybe he's talkin bout the EP hatch..

B series FTW!

JonathanMax

haha I think the 00-01 civic si started the K20A3. I might be wrong though.
forget B series, K series ftw. lol

JonathanMax

jk. its the 02-05 Civic si's that have it. haha

Mu9enx

haha, that's what i thought, pwned!

jk, i'm still a honda head

stock05c230

At least with the '05 C230 SS 6-speed there's really no point in revving it beyond about 5200 rpm. The shift recovery on the M271 is great with that shift point since each shift lands right in the meat of the torque peak, at about 3500rpm. I raced a kid with a lowered, stock-engined '06 Civic Si coupe from 65-85 several times starting in 4th, letting the torque do the work. Needless to say, he was pissed that he could never pull on my car. But if I played the Honda game in the C230, he'd have wasted me. Our cars make all kinds of sweet noise at 6000rpm, but they're not pulling much at that point.

johnand

On my 07, I keep mine is "S" most of the time and find it works pretty well by itself in spirited driving. But for the most fun and control I use the touch shift. I don't experience the lag everyone here complains about. It shifts when I tell it to shift. Maybe the programming on the 07's for the 7G transmission are improved

06c230hwd

well i doubt it.. it is still an electronically controlled unit therefore 'drive by wire' so of course there is still lag.. we just over-exaggerate how long it takes to shift

last night on 84 i was messing with a v8 s/c, and he was obviously having fun playing with me too- letting me catch up and then pulling 2 cars on me, lmao... i just left that baby in auto (s) and stomped it - hit 6200 about to red and shift then i seen i had to get on the on-ramp so i had to left off