What year S2000 is the one to get?

[m3dic8d]

I've been wanting one forEVER and might finally be in the position to buy one in a couple of months... but am wondering, which year would be the best? I know in 02 they introduced the 2.2L and kept the 9k redline... then in 04 they dropped it down to 8k redline (or 05) but am just wondering, which one would be the best to buy as far as performance? The AP1 is so cheap, you can grab those for like 9k right now... but are those inadequate compared to the AP2? Thanks for any help guys

[AV8ter]

You are a little misinformed lol. 2.2 came in 04 and the red line dropped from 9k to 8k that year. Ap1s are cheap but there are a lot of ragged out ones around. If you get an Ap2(04 and up) get an 04 or 05 because that was before they went to the gay vsm(ridiculous traction control shit.....).

Try finding a good deal on a 04-05.

I have an 05 and love it to death.......


Kevin

[ksniperfox]

04-05 is best. 06 has lame throttle by wire. 00 has no clock and a strange center console liner. and the plastic rear window. in 03 they started rear glass i think, that or 02. i think in 06 they started coming standard with a tire pressure monitor as well. minor gearing and seat design changes.

you will miss the 9k redline of the ap1, but the ap2's f22 is inevitably faster due to 11 more torque lower in the rpms.


i got lucky. found an 03 in october with 30k miles, 100% stock, honda certified, driven by a grandma, etc, fresh and minty.

steer clear of anything with mods. mods=ragged on.


be sure to check for rips in the soft top. they suck. new soft tops are about $1k.

[mocha latte cupcake]

03 love my AP1. bought from a dealer i knew the guy who traded it in and it never saw 9 grand. guy barely even popped the top. car fax ftw.

Ap2 and Ap1 with intake is about an even race with a good driver. the new center console in the AP2 and the AP2 stereo door was the only things that appeal to me more. the 2.2 and only 2k of usable vtec stock is a joke. it made me laugh and cry @ the same time. 9k all day.

[Jin]

I bought a 05 because of the facts stated above.

Cant go wrong with any s2000 imo.

Just stay 02+ because of the glass window. The plastic ones tend to fog and/or crack.

I'd either get an 03 for the 9k + glass rear window or an 05 for more torque and updated ap2 looks.

[vtecdude93]

here my thoughts on S2k they are running pretty cheep now. i just got a 2007 red with 7k miles for 22 drive out with everything... take your time go bullshit at the dealers they will give you a great deal trust me. the power on the ap2 is way better then the power on the ap1.

[m3dic8d]

Wow I've test driven some 02 and 03, I thought they were 2.2 I was very happy with them both! I think I will take the advice and try and go with 02-03, 04+ seem to be a lot more expensive. Plus I like the high redline

Thanks a TON for the info and help guys, I'll let you all know how it goes!

[mocha latte cupcake]

[Homer Simpson]

ap2 is a better car.

ap1 is a better s2000.

The little tourqe that you get from the ap2 is night and day compared to ap1. City driving is more calm without revving too high to stay with traffic.

And, I really like the AP2's center console alot more that the AP1's.

As stated before, you really can't go wrong with either, just stay away from plastic windows and 06 and newer.

[Terror]

02 - 03 in my opinion (not just cause i have one lol) but, they had a more aggresive tune on the ecu so they are a little faster, they have the glass window, and 9000rpm. as a matter of fact, mine is for sale hmmm. No but seriously that's my vote, you just get stuck with funky wheels till you change em

[Terror]

ap2 is a better car.

ap1 is a better s2000.

The little tourqe that you get from the ap2 is night and day compared to ap1. City driving is more calm without revving too high to stay with traffic.

And, I really like the AP2's center console alot more that the AP1's.

As stated before, you really can't go wrong with either, just stay away from plastic windows and 06 and newer.

All true statements, but once you tune an AP1... they are monstas! well, sort of lol. But muuch tourqier and they pull alot harder up till 9k

[SandM]

I say 02 or 03. I love my 01 to death, but the plastic window does suck. i will be changing to hardtop at some point anyways. the 9k redline is a plus, and the money you can save from the 04-05 will help you add to the suspension differences.
the race between an AP1 and AP2 is up to the driver. The last time i tangled with an AP2, we were dead even, both stock.

[Homer Simpson]

I say 02 or 03. I love my 01 to death, but the plastic window does suck. i will be changing to hardtop at some point anyways. the 9k redline is a plus, and the money you can save from the 04-05 will help you add to the suspension differences.
the race between an AP1 and AP2 is up to the driver. The last time i tangled with an AP2, we were dead even, both stock.

last time I heard, ap1 was a hair quicker?

But like you said, its probably up to the driver...

[aaronfelipe]

2003+
If you are ready to buy, make your decision on the mileage you want the car to have. If you want the car with 25,000, you are not likely to find an 2005 or below with that mileage. If you do, you are going to be paying more. If you want one with 50,000 miles, you are alot more likely to find a 2002-2003 with that mileage. My

[Homer Simpson]

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/ctd/1040235115.html

here''s a really good deal!

If you can manage the sorta ricey cf fenders.

[S II K]

if i was you id go with the ap2 its a nicer version of the ap1 due to the aggresive look on the bumpers/headlights/tailights/wheels... etc. and i have noticed that the extra .2liters makes a difference all though it redlines at 8,200k that 2.2l compensates for the higher redline on the ap1.


so in conclusion ap2 ftw!

[umairejaz]

ap2 is a better car.

ap1 is a better s2000.

I havn't heard it be said any better. +1

[eYezs1ck]

02-present IMO

[ksniperfox]

you can get some serious steals now too.

when i got mine in october i kinda got over excited and couldnt wait..coulda gotten for a bit cheaper if i had patience, but i was in a bind.

[GSRteg®]

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/ctd/1040235115.html

here''s a really good deal!

If you can manage the sorta ricey cf fenders.

Looked at this one a while back looks good.

[SandM]

you can get some serious steals now too.

when i got mine in october i kinda got over excited and couldnt wait..coulda gotten for a bit cheaper if i had patience, but i was in a bind.

yea, i got mine in june right before the car price drop....

[AV8ter]

I raced a stock AP1 in my stock AP2 and he def. started to pull away. If I didn't have the stupid Clutch-Delay-Valve in I am positive I would have had him. I know the guy and we can both drive our cars very well.

The clutch delay valve sucks a big one and every ap2 comes with them. You can remove it for free but it voids whatever warranty you have.


Kevin

[NewGen33]

I don't think there is much of a difference in either of the engines performance wise. The 2.2 has more torque but and RLs at 8300. The 2.0 has a more aggressive vtec kick and revs to 9k. If you feel any difference in speed it most likely due to the regearing. I say read this thread where you will get more detailed facts about the ap1 and ap2 because there is not that big of a performance difference as people are leading you on to think.
http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=568555

[SandM]

s2ki is the shit for s2k info

[m3dic8d]

I don't think there is much of a difference in either of the engines performance wise. The 2.2 has more torque but and RLs at 8300. The 2.0 has a more aggressive vtec kick and revs to 9k. If you feel any difference in speed it most likely due to the regearing. I say read this thread where you will get more detailed facts about the ap1 and ap2 because there is not that big of a performance difference as people are leading you on to think.
http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=568555

Bookmarked, thanks a lot! That's perfect. I'm pretty set on the 02-03...

[ksniperfox]

I don't think there is much of a difference in either of the engines performance wise. The 2.2 has more torque but and RLs at 8300. The 2.0 has a more aggressive vtec kick and revs to 9k. If you feel any difference in speed it most likely due to the regearing. I say read this thread where you will get more detailed facts about the ap1 and ap2 because there is not that big of a performance difference as people are leading you on to think.
http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=568555

peak power is the same, however in the f22 that power arrives lower in the rpm band, like 7000, whereas in the f20 you gotta wait til like 8300.

from a stop, the low end torque of the f22 will always give you a slight advantage. the power is there sooner. end of story.

from a roll i could see where they might be even, as both cars are staying in vtec/top of the power band.


f22 and f20c engines are exactly the same, except honda increased the stroke of the f20 to give it more displacement, forcing a lower redline(8000) so the rods dont go kaboom at 9k rpms as there is more stress on them. and the f22 has .1 more compression.

s2ki is a great site, but if you need me to i can pull up some videos of japanese race drivers like tsuchiya driving an ap1 and they lose off the line to the ap2 every time. the speed difference is small, but you know those guys can drive.

[speedminded]

Get the cheapest one in the best condition and build it. With minor cam gear adjustments you put the power and torque where you want it then get a custom differential if needed. Coil-over dampeners, hardtop, wheels...done.

[The Youngn]

I raced a stock AP1 in my stock AP2 and he def. started to pull away. If I didn't have the stupid Clutch-Delay-Valve in I am positive I would have had him. I know the guy and we can both drive our cars very well.

The clutch delay valve sucks a big one and every ap2 comes with them. You can remove it for free but it voids whatever warranty you have.


Kevin

You should be able to just clip down the switch somehow though. I took my switch and just zip tied it down and moved it out of the way of my clutch pedal. I can easily have it back in and functioning in under a minute

[S II K]

You should be able to just clip down the switch somehow though. I took my switch and just zip tied it down and moved it out of the way of my clutch pedal. I can easily have it back in and functioning in under a minute

damn im gunna take a look at it then...ive been wanting to do it but I figured it was something complicated

[speedminded]

You should be able to just clip down the switch somehow though. I took my switch and just zip tied it down and moved it out of the way of my clutch pedal. I can easily have it back in and functioning in under a minute

lol! Negative. That's not a clutch delay valve, that's just the starter kill switch that prevents you from starting the car without the clutch pedal being depressed.

The clutch delay valve is a restriction in the hydraulic line to the slave cylinder. It prevents harsh engagements, clutch kicking, etc. It's a common mod on e46 M3's. There is NO way a dealer will know a modified CDV is installed unless they are out abusing your car.

http://www.zeckhausen.com/CDV.htm

Send this company 2 new CDV's and they'll mail back one modified CDV for free, if you own a BMW I'd contact them and see if they are familiar with the S2000 CDV at all, can't hurt to try!

What would this mod be worth to an AP2 S2000 owner?

[gtikid]

AP1 all the way. I have an 03 and my manager has an 06. To me, driving mine is a bit more fun than his. As soon as you hit vtec in the AP2, your pretty much already shifting. And going to 9k is a bit more fun

Plus for some reason, my stock radio/speakers sounds better than my friend's 01, and my manager's 06, both when they had stock headunits, and after they changed to aftermarket

[gawee77]

MY09, I have MY07 and VSA(Traction Control) saved my life once so unless you are planning on MOD your S2K like crazy, get 06+...

[ksniperfox]

MY09, I have MY07 and VSA(Traction Control) saved my life once so unless you are planning on MOD your S2K like crazy, get 06+...

doubt this guy has $40k to shell out...that is if hes dumb enough to pay sticker lol. could prob get a brand new one for 30.

[SandM]

drive by wire on the 06+ is a huge pain. throttle cables are FTW.
and gtikid, i think in 2003 they incorperated tweeters into the sound system. in 01 they were not factory.

[m3dic8d]

doubt this guy has $40k to shell out...that is if hes dumb enough to pay sticker lol. could prob get a brand new one for 30.

Ha yeah I'm shooting more for 9-10k

[The Youngn]

lol! Negative. That's not a clutch delay valve, that's just the starter kill switch that prevents you from starting the car without the clutch pedal being depressed.

I'm not talking about that switch. I'm pretty sure i have enough common sense to know that.

There's another switch that's on the opposite side of the starter kill switch that lets the car know when you're completely off the clutch. It retards the reaction of the e-throttle for a slight second or split second. Some people drive and might feel a sudden surge or jerk at time because of this switch. Or it might be easier to sense the throttle reaction, while the car is standing still, by revving the engine with clutch on compared to clutch off.

When i did it to my car....it ended up having a more responsive throttle and became a little more simple to drive

[gtikid]

drive by wire on the 06+ is a huge pain. throttle cables are FTW.
and gtikid, i think in 2003 they incorperated tweeters into the sound system. in 01 they were not factory.

Yea it was in 03 when they added the tweeters to the doors. They weren't factory in 01. I was just making a point that it sounded better than both the 01 (without tweeters, and with aftermarket tweeters) and the 06 (with tweeters) when they had OEM headunits and aftermarket headunits

[SandM]

ah, gotcha

[gtrmonkey]

Get an Ap1. I know the F20c in the Ap2 body but that was only a euro release, I doubt you want to import an S2k.

I think it the best one out of the bunch mechinally. Plus it will save you a couple of grand for the proline turbo kit.

[DeeAOne]

AP1. then get AP2 bumpers and lights.