The Official Honda S2000 Thread
Ex-OEM King
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 17,879
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From: Minnesnowta
1. yes AP2 has more torque down low. I'm so used to the lack of torque when starting out in my AP1 I don't even think about it. Of course, I have a CTS-V to make up for any lack of torque, so I personally don't care. 
2. AP2 is less tail happy, but you should be OK from 2002 on up. I do not, and have never felt, my 2002 AP1 to be tail happy, and I drive it pretty assertively. I've driven both AP1 and AP2 and AP1 has a much more raw feeling to its handling. You really have to respect it. AP2 is more refined. Honestly, you can't go wrong either way
3. No
4. Mileage doesn't matter, these cars are like tanks as long as they are cared for. That said, my preference is always for the lowest mileage you can afford.
5. Look for signs of abuse/prior engine modding, i.e. anything else you would look for in a used car. I would absolutely not want a 2001 because of the plastic rear window, but that's just my preference (glass rear window 2002-up).
HTH!
2. AP2 is less tail happy, but you should be OK from 2002 on up. I do not, and have never felt, my 2002 AP1 to be tail happy, and I drive it pretty assertively. I've driven both AP1 and AP2 and AP1 has a much more raw feeling to its handling. You really have to respect it. AP2 is more refined. Honestly, you can't go wrong either way
3. No
4. Mileage doesn't matter, these cars are like tanks as long as they are cared for. That said, my preference is always for the lowest mileage you can afford.
5. Look for signs of abuse/prior engine modding, i.e. anything else you would look for in a used car. I would absolutely not want a 2001 because of the plastic rear window, but that's just my preference (glass rear window 2002-up).
HTH!
Oh and convincing the wife to let me get one though she rode in the car over the weekend and was more than convinced to do it.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78,247
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My advice...
if you can afford it, dish out the extra money for a clean low mileage one in the color you love. Even if you fly to drive it home...this is NOT a car you will easily part with so make sure you're in absolute love.
HERE:
no way around it...AP1 VS AP2 on right
if you can afford it, dish out the extra money for a clean low mileage one in the color you love. Even if you fly to drive it home...this is NOT a car you will easily part with so make sure you're in absolute love.
HERE:
no way around it...AP1 VS AP2 on right
Ex-OEM King
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 17,879
Likes: 7,025
From: Minnesnowta
My advice...
if you can afford it, dish out the extra money for a clean low mileage one in the color you love. Even if you fly to drive it home...this is NOT a car you will easily part with so make sure you're in absolute love.
HERE:
no way around it...AP1 VS AP2 on right
if you can afford it, dish out the extra money for a clean low mileage one in the color you love. Even if you fly to drive it home...this is NOT a car you will easily part with so make sure you're in absolute love.
HERE:
no way around it...AP1 VS AP2 on right
I like the look of the AP2 a lot more than the AP1 and the extra features provided by the 2006+ cars makes them more appealing to me.
Joined: Sep 2008
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Sounds good, Sam. You can't go wrong either way, man...Moonrock Grey would have been my top pick...in South Florida it's just really hard to find a clean car so I had to go with the silver. Plus, with the AP2 wheels, the car just looked like molten metal. Loved it.
Cruisin'
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
Hey dudes, looking for some advice here. So I drove a 2001 S2k over the weekend and it's going to end up costing me a lot of money...in the form of now I want an S2k...
Questions that I'm hoping you guys can help with:
1.) AP1 or AP2. I drove an AP1 and it has zero torque down low. You have to rev the nuts off of it to get it to really get going. I understand that this is part of the allure of the car and all but I want something with more down low torque. Will the AP2 and the 2.2L solve that for me?
in all honesty I can't say the added torque in the AP2 is really a major advantage although if you plan on keeping the car stock then yes. The stock 4.10 gears really suck in town daily driving and swapping them for 4.44 or 4.77 will dramatically change the street drivability for the better
2.) Any difference in driveability between AP1/AP2? I know there were some suspension changes and such through the years, curious as to if there is one that's better or worse than another and things to look out for.
spring and roll bar rates changed every 2 years, 2000/01 was the only year that was rear biased meaning thicker/higher in rear. 2008/09 CR is the best handling from stock and of course has the largest spring and roll bars stock except for 2000/01.
3.) The sound system is atrocious in the AP1. Is the 2006+ sound system any better given the additional speakers? I plan on replacing the head unit anyway with something else for USB in to connect my phone.
it does suck and I think in 02 honda upped the power a bit but you won't hear sh!t over the engine in full v-tec 
4.) Mileage, less is better but how much is too much given that the car is well cared for? Or is this like any other Honda and as long as it's cared for it doesn't matter?
Use good judgement and a mechanic that specializes in the s2
5.) Anything else to consider?
AP2's are great daily drivers bone stock but if you plan on mods then don't write off an AP1, 9k redline is over rated when you talk actual power but it is a sh!t load of fun and even more so with 4.77's. Tail happy AP1's (especially 2000/01) can be tamed, front sway bar from either 2000/01 or 08/09 CR and rear sway from 08/09 CR (2002/03 rear sway works well also, just a bit softer) along with good quality suspension will keep the planted. I owned a 2000 that would kick out its tail with little effort, after fortune auto 500 coilovers and CR rear sway the car was tons better at staying planted and my weak link became tires.
Thanks in advance!
Questions that I'm hoping you guys can help with:
1.) AP1 or AP2. I drove an AP1 and it has zero torque down low. You have to rev the nuts off of it to get it to really get going. I understand that this is part of the allure of the car and all but I want something with more down low torque. Will the AP2 and the 2.2L solve that for me?
in all honesty I can't say the added torque in the AP2 is really a major advantage although if you plan on keeping the car stock then yes. The stock 4.10 gears really suck in town daily driving and swapping them for 4.44 or 4.77 will dramatically change the street drivability for the better
2.) Any difference in driveability between AP1/AP2? I know there were some suspension changes and such through the years, curious as to if there is one that's better or worse than another and things to look out for.
spring and roll bar rates changed every 2 years, 2000/01 was the only year that was rear biased meaning thicker/higher in rear. 2008/09 CR is the best handling from stock and of course has the largest spring and roll bars stock except for 2000/01.
3.) The sound system is atrocious in the AP1. Is the 2006+ sound system any better given the additional speakers? I plan on replacing the head unit anyway with something else for USB in to connect my phone.
it does suck and I think in 02 honda upped the power a bit but you won't hear sh!t over the engine in full v-tec 4.) Mileage, less is better but how much is too much given that the car is well cared for? Or is this like any other Honda and as long as it's cared for it doesn't matter?
Use good judgement and a mechanic that specializes in the s2
5.) Anything else to consider?
AP2's are great daily drivers bone stock but if you plan on mods then don't write off an AP1, 9k redline is over rated when you talk actual power but it is a sh!t load of fun and even more so with 4.77's. Tail happy AP1's (especially 2000/01) can be tamed, front sway bar from either 2000/01 or 08/09 CR and rear sway from 08/09 CR (2002/03 rear sway works well also, just a bit softer) along with good quality suspension will keep the planted. I owned a 2000 that would kick out its tail with little effort, after fortune auto 500 coilovers and CR rear sway the car was tons better at staying planted and my weak link became tires.
Thanks in advance!
the info I have provided is just my opinion based on my experience. Good luck
Last edited by kreapin; Jul 1, 2014 at 10:45 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
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From: Los Angeles
Thanks dude, that's my plan right now. My most desired color would be white with black interior since you don't see many of those around followed closely by black with red interior. I'd be ok with silver but it wouldn't be my first choice.
I like the look of the AP2 a lot more than the AP1 and the extra features provided by the 2006+ cars makes them more appealing to me.
I like the look of the AP2 a lot more than the AP1 and the extra features provided by the 2006+ cars makes them more appealing to me.
Yes you will spent a few thousand more but at the end if you ever want to sell it, you will be asking for a few thousand more too.
It is worth it!
Ex-OEM King
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 17,879
Likes: 7,025
From: Minnesnowta
Thanks all for the great advice, much appreciated.
Any of you running any mods to increase engine power? I know the motor doesn't have a whole lot of room to go up unless you go FI but what are the more popular mods out there? Any must do things? I don't want to go crazy and I'd like to keep the car as stock as possible but what are the must have changes?
Thanks again!
Any of you running any mods to increase engine power? I know the motor doesn't have a whole lot of room to go up unless you go FI but what are the more popular mods out there? Any must do things? I don't want to go crazy and I'd like to keep the car as stock as possible but what are the must have changes?
Thanks again!
Must have: Intake - doesn't matter how many times I rev-up, VTEC sounds absolutely incredible and gets my man parts all excited.
Exhaust is good too, these cars sound great with just a regular catback, headers make the exhaust note pretty aggressive.
My recommendation is, concentrate on suspension / chassis bracing / proper tires - this car isn't made for straight line performance, it's all about keeping the speed in the corners
Exhaust is good too, these cars sound great with just a regular catback, headers make the exhaust note pretty aggressive.
My recommendation is, concentrate on suspension / chassis bracing / proper tires - this car isn't made for straight line performance, it's all about keeping the speed in the corners
Senior Moderator
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 45,641
Likes: 2,335
From: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Thanks all for the great advice, much appreciated.
Any of you running any mods to increase engine power? I know the motor doesn't have a whole lot of room to go up unless you go FI but what are the more popular mods out there? Any must do things? I don't want to go crazy and I'd like to keep the car as stock as possible but what are the must have changes?
Thanks again!
Any of you running any mods to increase engine power? I know the motor doesn't have a whole lot of room to go up unless you go FI but what are the more popular mods out there? Any must do things? I don't want to go crazy and I'd like to keep the car as stock as possible but what are the must have changes?
Thanks again!
If you have a 2006 - 2009 S2000, you can get a Honda reflash for a bit more power and more 'intelligent' use of VTEC.
Last edited by Ken1997TL; Jul 2, 2014 at 01:00 PM.
Cruisin'
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
Thanks all for the great advice, much appreciated.
Any of you running any mods to increase engine power? I know the motor doesn't have a whole lot of room to go up unless you go FI but what are the more popular mods out there? Any must do things? I don't want to go crazy and I'd like to keep the car as stock as possible but what are the must have changes?
Thanks again!
Any of you running any mods to increase engine power? I know the motor doesn't have a whole lot of room to go up unless you go FI but what are the more popular mods out there? Any must do things? I don't want to go crazy and I'd like to keep the car as stock as possible but what are the must have changes?
Thanks again!
Best bang for the buck IMO is gears, if you drive mostly on streets and very little highway then 4.77's, if you drive on the highway 50% of the time then 4.44 (4.56/57 are no longer available but excellent if you can find them). If you plan on turbo then 3.90, 4.30 works great with superchargers. Tuning requires aftermarket electronics but I think 2006 up cpu's can be tuned
Last edited by kreapin; Jul 2, 2014 at 04:12 PM.
Cruisin'
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
Something else I should mention, adding a exhaust and intake together will not get the power gains you might think for instance, the K&N fipk usually turns out between 5-7 hp and the invidia n1 and spoon system turn around 5-10 hp so logically adding both should get you around 10-15 hp....... nope. Dyno testing has shown that just 1 of mods will produce claimed power but combined produced no extra power unless you get the car tuned. AP1's stock turn around 190's at the wheels, AP2's around 210-214. AP1 with invidia, spoon, berk etc (cat still in car) turn low 200's and adding intake produced 1-2 hp if you are lucky and in some cases 1-4 hp lose but with a tune (vafc) produced around 214-218 and AP2's 220-228. These are the numbers I have seen at Dyno meets
Last edited by kreapin; Jul 2, 2014 at 05:11 PM.
Joined: Sep 2008
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I guess rather than try and make a square peg fit a round hole...
Get the right tool for the job.
fast curves = s2000, miata, lotus
fast quarters = 5.0 Mustang, SS or SRT.
In my opinion.
Get the right tool for the job.
fast curves = s2000, miata, lotus
fast quarters = 5.0 Mustang, SS or SRT.
In my opinion.
Cruisin'
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 23
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But gears do help, puddydad 1.5 rear with Mazdaspeed 4.77 gears, invidia n1 catback and K&N drop-in filter and I've whooped stage 1 supercharged s2's to about 90mph then I wave good bye as they pass, took a few v8 mustangs to (not the newer more powerful units
)
Moderator
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Modern Mustangs weren't particularly fast until the latest 5.0. Unless you're talking about the supercharged SVT.
There's a reason why somebody came up with the acronym
Must
Use
Supercharger/
Turbo
Against
N/A
GM
There's a reason why somebody came up with the acronym
Must
Use
Supercharger/
Turbo
Against
N/A
GM
Cruisin'
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
E92
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 93
From: socal
Thanks all for the great advice, much appreciated.
Any of you running any mods to increase engine power? I know the motor doesn't have a whole lot of room to go up unless you go FI but what are the more popular mods out there? Any must do things? I don't want to go crazy and I'd like to keep the car as stock as possible but what are the must have changes?
Thanks again!
Any of you running any mods to increase engine power? I know the motor doesn't have a whole lot of room to go up unless you go FI but what are the more popular mods out there? Any must do things? I don't want to go crazy and I'd like to keep the car as stock as possible but what are the must have changes?
Thanks again!
It seriously makes the untuned S2k feel like you're starting in 2nd gear
E92
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 93
From: socal
Honda really squeezed everything they could out of that engine and there really isn't much gains available. The K&N fipk is relatively cheap at $250 and may produce about 5-7 hp, aem intake gives roughly the same but filter location has been a problem when you hit a puddle of water. There are many other intakes available but the power gains to $$ is insane ($1,000 for ark system). Most exhaust systems produce little to no power and in many cases loses power and increases drone, invidia n1, spoon and a very limited amount of systems produces about 5-10 hp but are pretty loud. Spend some time on s2ki.com and you will find that many of the aftermarket parts produce little to no power and quite often you lose power.
Best bang for the buck IMO is gears, if you drive mostly on streets and very little highway then 4.77's, if you drive on the highway 50% of the time then 4.44 (4.56/57 are no longer available but excellent if you can find them). If you plan on turbo then 3.90, 4.30 works great with superchargers. Tuning requires aftermarket electronics but I think 2006 up cpu's can be tuned
Best bang for the buck IMO is gears, if you drive mostly on streets and very little highway then 4.77's, if you drive on the highway 50% of the time then 4.44 (4.56/57 are no longer available but excellent if you can find them). If you plan on turbo then 3.90, 4.30 works great with superchargers. Tuning requires aftermarket electronics but I think 2006 up cpu's can be tuned
Cruisin'
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
Pretty accurate statements all around. The cat is the most restrictive part really and changing that + tune makes the biggest difference. Headers and exhaust (and cat too) have the real benefit through weight savings. My exhaust shaves 30 lbs and there are others made from titanium that will save 40-45 lbs off stock.
Posting for a friend:
03 S2K, 30K miles, SSM/Black, $20.5K
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4545313567.html
03 S2K, 30K miles, SSM/Black, $20.5K
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4545313567.html
Joined: Sep 2008
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Sell that ish to bmore! 
Great information guys...Salami...you just made me want to get the damn e-manage for my 2004. Dammit...I feel like I have the breathing thing down, but I'm certain a tune would be the difference. Guess I'll start scouring the black market on s2ki.
I think, with the mustangs...the 2015 is going to be a game changer...
420 HP and independent rear suspension for the first time ever (IIRC)...
A drag beast out of the box that can also go around corners.
Great information guys...Salami...you just made me want to get the damn e-manage for my 2004. Dammit...I feel like I have the breathing thing down, but I'm certain a tune would be the difference. Guess I'll start scouring the black market on s2ki.
I think, with the mustangs...the 2015 is going to be a game changer...
420 HP and independent rear suspension for the first time ever (IIRC)...
A drag beast out of the box that can also go around corners.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
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Likes: 3,489
I like beating this dead horse, but a 2011 Mustang 5.0 is no slouch. Even with a live axle rear it was running identical numbers to a same year M3 - around a race course, even. They were dead even in a straight line, even.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78,247
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and in typical supply and demand functionality...the parts are so effing cheap.
My buddy is like...dude, my axle back magnaflow was like $350...so expensive, right? I was like, never buy japanese then, dude. Unless you get a 1996 EK hatch or something...
My buddy is like...dude, my axle back magnaflow was like $350...so expensive, right? I was like, never buy japanese then, dude. Unless you get a 1996 EK hatch or something...
'08 MX5 GT 6spd.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,234
Likes: 1,192
From: The Lone Star State
You could spend around $2500 on a newer 5.0 and have nearly a 500hp car. It's outrageous.
I need to drive on before I jump to conclusions, but they have come a very long way.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78,247
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Dude, I know it...even the subi/vw guys with their $2K in mods and a tune blows my mind.
But do they hear this song when they drive?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-YPqd111ao#t=12
But do they hear this song when they drive?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-YPqd111ao#t=12
E92
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 93
From: socal
Sell that ish to bmore!
Great information guys...Salami...you just made me want to get the damn e-manage for my 2004. Dammit...I feel like I have the breathing thing down, but I'm certain a tune would be the difference. Guess I'll start scouring the black market on s2ki.
I think, with the mustangs...the 2015 is going to be a game changer...
420 HP and independent rear suspension for the first time ever (IIRC)...
A drag beast out of the box that can also go around corners.
Great information guys...Salami...you just made me want to get the damn e-manage for my 2004. Dammit...I feel like I have the breathing thing down, but I'm certain a tune would be the difference. Guess I'll start scouring the black market on s2ki.
I think, with the mustangs...the 2015 is going to be a game changer...
420 HP and independent rear suspension for the first time ever (IIRC)...
A drag beast out of the box that can also go around corners.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
2016 Miata? or something else?
I'm really excited to see what they come out with. Skyactiv and all. If they really drop it to 2200 lbs, and give it say, 180 crank horsepower, that'll be very hard to beat.
I'm reluctant to give up my backseat. But the next MX-5 may be one of very, very few cars that would possibly cause me to give up my BRZ for. Maybe.
I'm really excited to see what they come out with. Skyactiv and all. If they really drop it to 2200 lbs, and give it say, 180 crank horsepower, that'll be very hard to beat.
I'm reluctant to give up my backseat. But the next MX-5 may be one of very, very few cars that would possibly cause me to give up my BRZ for. Maybe.
E92
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 93
From: socal
2016 Miata? or something else?
I'm really excited to see what they come out with. Skyactiv and all. If they really drop it to 2200 lbs, and give it say, 180 crank horsepower, that'll be very hard to beat.
I'm reluctant to give up my backseat. But the next MX-5 may be one of very, very few cars that would possibly cause me to give up my BRZ for. Maybe.
I'm really excited to see what they come out with. Skyactiv and all. If they really drop it to 2200 lbs, and give it say, 180 crank horsepower, that'll be very hard to beat.
I'm reluctant to give up my backseat. But the next MX-5 may be one of very, very few cars that would possibly cause me to give up my BRZ for. Maybe.
'08 MX5 GT 6spd.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,234
Likes: 1,192
From: The Lone Star State
2016 Miata? or something else?
I'm really excited to see what they come out with. Skyactiv and all. If they really drop it to 2200 lbs, and give it say, 180 crank horsepower, that'll be very hard to beat.
I'm reluctant to give up my backseat. But the next MX-5 may be one of very, very few cars that would possibly cause me to give up my BRZ for. Maybe.
I'm really excited to see what they come out with. Skyactiv and all. If they really drop it to 2200 lbs, and give it say, 180 crank horsepower, that'll be very hard to beat.
I'm reluctant to give up my backseat. But the next MX-5 may be one of very, very few cars that would possibly cause me to give up my BRZ for. Maybe.
Could be good...but the NC is going to be tough to beat.
Moderator
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All we've seen is the chassis. Its not going to be anything like the render posted. We know it has 16" 4 lug wheels and is smaller than the NC. Today Mazda released a video showcasing the sound of the new MX5 and everyone is pretty certain there is a forced induction sound and blowoff.
Could be good...but the NC is going to be tough to beat.
Could be good...but the NC is going to be tough to beat.
and I know, hence why I noted it was just a render...That "power plant" trellis frame is still there. And it looks like double wishbone front, multi-link rear suspension. I already have seen what the Skyactiv power plants are like.
F/I from the factory on a Miata though... interesting.
'08 MX5 GT 6spd.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,234
Likes: 1,192
From: The Lone Star State
All speculation, but that would certainly make me think twice about a Mustang. Problem is, it can't get much smaller than it already is for me. I eat way to many burgers.
I would think, given their direction in the past, it will still be soft and under powered. If they made something that was an equal to a S2K out of the box, it would be a game changer.
Also from the video, there is a fair amount of speculation regarding the transmission. It shifts awfully quick to be a manual..sounds like some sort of dual clutch setup, which would kinda make sense since they are building an Alfa on the same base.
I would think, given their direction in the past, it will still be soft and under powered. If they made something that was an equal to a S2K out of the box, it would be a game changer.
Also from the video, there is a fair amount of speculation regarding the transmission. It shifts awfully quick to be a manual..sounds like some sort of dual clutch setup, which would kinda make sense since they are building an Alfa on the same base.
Last edited by MarbleGT; Jul 3, 2014 at 07:56 PM.
Moderator
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I hear you. But I think what makes the MX-5 sell so well is its broad appeal. The S2k is a rare breed of car, period. Raw, compared to the MX-5. There's a reason why Honda killed it off with a whimper.
Even if the dual-clutch is a cheaper option, give me the slower, antiquated 6MT. Mazda makes some of the best manuals, and it would be a shame for them to not offer it.
Even if the dual-clutch is a cheaper option, give me the slower, antiquated 6MT. Mazda makes some of the best manuals, and it would be a shame for them to not offer it.