The cost of the gear set was a couple hundred dollars from KIA, then I ordered a rebuild kit for the rear diff. I dont remember how much that was, but it was not cheap. (couple hundred more dollars). The shop charged me closer to 800 dollars in labor. I forget the name of the shop. I knew they would do the job right because they do all the vipers for my buddies dodge dealership when they upgrade or change gear sets in their cars. There is no real way around the fact that the s2000 rear diff is just plain weak and the real solution is to put a different rear diff in all together.

 

How has Puddydad not been mentioned yet? get a modified diff so you can drive your car the way you want! much cheaper in the long run if you actually want to enjoy your car!

 

is there a difference between the construction of the AP2 diff vs the AP1? ie: AP2 is stronger??

 

yea hit up puddypada he can build u a diff whats worth the money im saving up for one right now from him!

he told me the ap2 diff had something like better bearings or something in them?pardon of my ignorance its been awhile since i last spoke w. him.but aparently the factory ap2 diff is just a little stronger,

 

which would make sense, because the engine is a little bit more powerful.

 

I had heard a little about his diffs but did not realize they were that great. I am definitely going to have to go that route after I get a couple other things taken care of. For now, I really need my car running asap so i am just throwing a used stock diff in to get me around. Gonna have to drive the car like a normal person for a bit.

 

So how exactly did the diff break? was it the ring and pinion or the case actually fracturing?

 

The case is still in tact so I assume it was the ring and pinion. I have not taken it apart yet. The last time I blew the diff I stripped every tooth off of the pinion and 7 of the teeth off off the ring. All I can tell right now is that when the clutch is engaged the driveshaft spins but nothing moves out of the diff, just makes a lot of grinding sounds. Not quite the same noise as last time, but similar

 

Metalugically speaking yes, the AP2 diffs are better and the bearing caps IIRC are designed better. There are discussions about that. But main reaon why less "stock" AP2's blow diffs is because Honda added a clutch dampening device so there is less driveline shock. AP's fry the clutch before the diff.

 

Unless you are launching, then the diff goes real quick.