Hello guys. I am new to the site, looks great. I am looking into picking up a S2000 in a few weeks. I have some general questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1 - I am looking at a used 2005 with 20K miles. Are there any known issues I should know about when buying used other than the normal wear and tear?

2 - Are S2000 motors reliable when modded? One of the cars I am looking at has a supercharger and aftermarket clutch. I am fairly mechanically inclined, but I don't want someone else's problems either? Any suggestions?

3 - Are there any aftermarker exhausts that don't sound like a can of pi$$ed off bees like the ones the kids in High School use?


Again, thanks for any help you guys can provide. I am a complete newbie, so help a fellow out.

Thanks,
Scottie Mac

 

hope you get a nice deal on your s.

1. ap2's are more reliable compare to ap1's b/c of all the issues that arised and been fixed and little more. dont get me wrong ap1 still a beast.

2. k20 motor is by far the best from honda. built it on their 50's anniversary, all their heart and soul went into it.

3. go with mugen or fujitsubo imo.

gl

 

Why are you talking about the K20 motor when he is asking about the S2000?

Did you mean F20/22c(s2000 engine)??

To the OP, the engine can be very reliable even with a supercharger. It all depends on the maintenance, tune(if it is tuned) and if it was abused or not. Obviously any sort of FI will shorten the engine life as it puts more stress on it.
For exhaust there are many that do not sound like crap. Personally I think the HKS exhaust sounds the best. I have that one now and removed the resonator. Sounds incredible I think. I added a test pipe which makes a little rasp between shifts but does not sound like a can of bee's.
Lots of parts for the S2000 are overpriced in regards to power gains. Not many exhausts or bolt ons will give much power, so really should chose for looks and sound and minimal gains.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

Another question. Are there any good builders/tuners in the central Virginia area? I am near Richmond.

Thanks for the help so far, any more suggestions are welcome.

Scottie

 

I would post that question up in the local va forum.

 

oops, excuse, i meant f20/22

 

1. Yup. Look for a good history of oil changes. This will at least hint that oil was checked regularly. Some AP2s go through oil between changes too. (Most AP1s seem to) This is not in and of itself anything to worry about. Also inspect the valve retainers. If the engine was ever over-reved these may be cracked.

2. I'd avoid any used car that ran with aftermarket forced induction unless I knew the car and its owner personally and really well.

3. Mugen if you can afford it. HKS if you can't.

 

mmm, HKS

I love the sound of mine.

 

IMO Mugen looks and sounds great. I love mine. BTW I am not a Mugen fanboi by any means. I have to agree that the HKS is quite a lovely sounding exhaust and looks great, 2nd on my list for sure..

 

1) AP2 just for the simple matter that they're newer and less time for damage

2) With proper tuning, it's fine; I'd still avoid a modified one though.

3) T1R 70EM dual is my favorite from those that I've heard.

4) Full car build or engine build? Engine build, you could always ship it to a proper race engine company if you can't find a local tuner.