Hey there everyone!

I'm an avid member over on 8thcivic.com and was a longtime sponsor with the company Custom Lightz on that forum

Finally picked up an AP1 after what feels like years of searching.

It's a 2002 with 94k miles, it needs a new soft top, but I've already been in contact with SofttopGuy about getting it done!

Berlina Black with an OEM lip! Paint is in great condition considering the age.



I look forward to learning more about the car, but a noobie question.

1) I know the trannys are somewhat the weak point in the car, but mine is very loud. The previous owner never changed the tranny fluid and he owned it from 40k until now, so I plan on doing that right away with AMSoil Syncromesh! (it did wonders on my 8thgen Si)

But is there anything else I should be concerned with/change out?

I've read about the weak retainers and Im going to try to inspect those this coming weekend, hoping to see nothing out of the ordinary.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

Welcome the the S2K life. Also take care of your diff.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/348...-fluid-change/

Following this DIY I'll do the diff and tranny fluid tomorrow.

Will AMSoil diff fluid be fine too?

 

Welcome aboard! Yes, AMSOIL should be just fine for the diff too. BTW, I'd say that the diff is more of a weak point of the car, more so than the transmission... at least that's debatable. Anyhow, yes check those retainers, check your oil level frequently and don't use Mobil1 for the engine. Something else you might want to do is retorque your axle nuts. Hope that helps!

 

Why the "no Mobile1" warning?

 

I'm not sure how to properly explain it so don't take this as gospel, but it does something to the worm gear inside the timing chain tensioner. Mobil1 also burns a lot more than other motor oils. Hopefully someone with better technical knowledge will chime in here.

 

Which major brand would you recommend? Perhaps the Castrol Syntec Edge? or I could just go AMSOIL everywhere.

 

I use AMSOIL (ATM). I've never used anything besides Mobil1 and AMSOIL so not sure what to tell you about Castrol. There's tons of discussion about this in the Under The Hood (UTH) section though!

 

I also figure I may as well change the spark plugs while the VC is off, any suggestions there?

 

OEM, nothing fancy shmancy.