It's got 12k miles on the motor. I must have the dumb.

Check compression. Check plugs. Hell, take it to a dyno and have them do pull to include an A/F reading. While you're at it, call the shop that built the darn thing. Ask them what they think.

I don't appreciate the Nazi remark.

 

I think the question is... it's got 12k on it and hasn't gone boom yet... so how can it be totally bad?

You know a lot about the car, but have you asked the owner these questions? He's going to be the one that's most familiar with this particular setup and be able to tell you if it needs some sort of EMS and if so, what level.

Also, what's the price differential between THIS car and a used stock S2000? What's otherwise wrong with this car that it's CHEAPER than a comparable stock car? I'd think that a built engine S2000 should cost MORE.

Also I agree with Skip, that Nazi comment is uncalled for. You're asking a question that can't reliably be answered without more information. Leak down, compression test, check the retainers, dyno it, etc... these are going to tell you what condition the engine's in.

 

did your buddy drop in the engine himself? did someone respectable do the headwork, tune, etc? what do the dynos look like? have you driven the car? that clutch setup isn't the greatest for a dd and honestly, once you start modding any car to that extent you begin to compromise its abilities as a dd. sure if its built well it will go beyond far beyond 50k miles, but you will come across way more headaches along the road compared to if you just got a low mileaged used s2k.