What New S2K Owners Should Change/Check/Replace First - Part 1

Hindsight, as they say, is always 20/20. Taking these preventative steps will ensure that you get the most out of your S2000 and make your ownership a pleasurable one. Check out these measures for new owners or those of us who have gotten a bit lax about maintenance right here.

By Sarah Portia - May 8, 2018

 

Fit a genuine Honda Oil Filter if it doesn't have one. This is a biggie, and was the first thing I did on purchase despite golden perfect oil and a service only a few miles earlier.

Cheap aftermarket filters aren't designed for the oil pressure generated by the S2k engine. I've been told at full chat it's up to ~9 Bar (vs ~5 Bar max in a ''normal' engine), and if it can't take the pressure you'll get oil starvation oil in cylinder 4.

 

You gotta figure there is a waaaay better way of removing spark plugs and coils than doing a hack job on the coil pack cover. That is the most ridiculous photo I've ever seen on an s2000 engine.

darcy

 

OMG. You cannot make this stuff up. Why would anyone ever do that? Why would anyone ever use that as an example of what a new owner should do to their s2k after purchase. This is really getting out of hand.

 

What is truly sad is s2ki used to have a reputation among enthusiast community of being very ingenious and competent. Knowledgeable about these cars, and how to work on them. A forum where you could get help. A little snarky at times, but always useful.

I worry that rep is eroding at a frightening pace.

 

I am a relatively new owner and forum member (3rd season). I was not drawn to this form by curated content marketing. I have seen the erosion just in the time I have been involved. This curated content stuff is not a positive thing for this forum. But, it appears that no matter the requests of members to segregate it into its own sub-forum, or eliminate it entirely, it is increasing in quantity every week, and decreasing in quality to the point that there is advice being given that is regarded by most as embarrassing.

There are other alternative s2k oriented forums. They are smaller. But, they are actually quite good. I think the underlying problem is that this forum is being run by folks who are trying to turn a profit. If you are looking for a high quality enthusiast membership, and forum experience, the for profit model doesn't work very well. It could work I think, but the current trajectory is downward. The s2k ownership population is shrinking steadily and this puts a cap on the profit generating potential for an s2k forum. Who knows, maybe with time the current ownership will move on to other things.

I should add however, that I have learned a lot from the membership here, and I am very grateful for that. I'm a taker more than a giver as far as good advice goes. But, I try to find my spots here and there to help lead new owners, and those who are not life long wrench turners, in the right direction. Also, I've never shied away from a good respectful debate!

 

rpg51, like you I too have learned quite a bit here. But almost none of that has come by way of the curated content. The way I look at it is that if this forum doesn't cost me anything then I have little right to complain about such things, or worry about them for that matter. So I'd likely be better off simply not re-upping my membership when the time comes as it appears that the frequency of this content is on on the rise while the quality of such content is on the decline. While there are other benefits to membership, I'm not sure that I take advantage of them enough to actually justify the cost. Maybe they could at least turn off the curated content for members, lol.

On the plus side, I like the fact that someone can ask a question that's been discussed in the past and still receive plenty of responses with up-to-date information. Sure, there will always be one or more people who seemingly get a bit chafed when newer members ask such questions, but guys like that exist on almost every forum and not just here. I would be curious to know what other s2k oriented forums have you found that you like?

 

Not making any endorsements - but here are three s2k forums. I guess the truth is that even with the issues here it remains the go to forum. For now anyway.

https://www.s2kca.com/

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-s2000-5/

https://www.s2000.com/forums/