xviper

Re: timing chain .........................
Once it breaks, it's too late for your engine. Best to be safe and do it at a "reasonable" mileage. Belts generally get replaced at around 50K to 60K? I think I'd start looking into doing a chain around the high end of this.

Gernby

I think Honda's recommendation for replacing timing belts on my previous 7 hondas was 90K miles. I wouldn't even consider replacing a timing chain before 150K, unless I was doing a rebuild.

newsguy

Is it even necessary at 150k? What's the alternative? Bent valves?

CoralDoc

Since the F20C is an interference engine, if the valve train stops moving and the engine doesn't (as in when the chain breaks) the pistons will detroy the valves that are open. This is the main reason why Honda recommends replacing timing BELTS so often. I have not seen a specific recommendation for replacing the timing chain and have not heard of any reports (yet) of chain breakage. As our cars age, I suspect we'll find out!

newsguy

How often should the timing belts be changed?

xviper

On cars with belts, their owner's manuals would stipulate.

CoralDoc

In general, evey 60-90,000 miles. But like xviper stated, follow the recommendations in the owners manual for that particular car.

mikegarrison

Guess you aren't a bike rider. People who put in thousands of miles on their bicycles can go through several chains per year. Chain pins wear (aka "chain stretch") and sprockets wear. They both need to be replaced, eventually.

However, unlike a bike drive chain, the timing chain is not heavily loaded. It is also protected from dirt and foreign bodies. If it was well designed by Honda, it should probably outlast the engine. Part of rebuilding an engine should include a new chain, I would think.

Honda timing belts are usually replaced at 90K miles.

mikegarrison

You should take it to a local shop that deals with tracked cars (not a dealer). Get a prebuyers inspection.

Specifically, you want to look at the suspension and frame for damage (especially the upper A-arm mounting brackets in the front). Check the brakes pretty thoroughly -- the brakes are the weak point of the S2000 on the track. The aforementioned leakdown test is a good idea, I suppose.

Get service records for when the fluids have been replaced, and find out what they have been using. Brake fluid, clutch fluid, engine oil, transmission oil, differential oil, coolant.

Check the serpentine belt for wear. Check the boots on the axles and the steering rack. Check the exhaust for corrosion.

My car's been tracked a lot, and at 35K miles I think it's in great shape. And that even includes a minor crash and a very major crash. These cars are tough, and can be repaired. But check for signs of a crash repair, and if there are any then be sure to have the frame checked for straightness. Also, be aware that the paint on a crashed car will probably not be as long-lasting as the original factory paint.

newsguy

GREAT info... any idea how much the leakdown test may run?