vortamock

Helping a friend try to find an S2000 within his budget. We test drove one today and it was making a horrible noise. Guy says his mechanic told him it just needs a new clutch, but that description doesn't make sense for this noise to either of us. We're thinking its probably worn bearings and needs a new transmission. Did a lot of searching to no avail and now need sleep, so here is a recording. Can anybody confirm what this is?

The car is a 2003 with 170k miles on it. Looks like it has had a hard life, but is more solid that I would have expected. It only makes this noise while decelerating in gear. If you push in the clutch, it doesn't make the noise. We never got it out of the parking lot because of the noise, so not up to highway speeds. Dunno how to embed the video.

https://youtu.be/-DOiAaSrjY8

noahw526

Well bro, ive been thru a few S2000's and that one really sounds like it has had an hard life, without much care given to it..

The sound could possibly be the INFAMOUS AP1 clutch buzz, as its only on the deceleration... but instead of just a loud BUZZ from the bad "AP1 clutch springs" your getting something much worse sounding...

If i were your friend, i would take my time and be patient for one that hasn't seen so much neglect.

I say this cause i still have my first S2000 an 2000 Silverstone with 255K on it and i have done nothing but the usual tune ups and valve adjustments.

AND I HAD THE AP1 CLUTCH BUZZ UNTIL 150K MILES AND IT DID NOT SOUND THIS BAD AT ALL !!!!!!!!

Clutch installs are a bitch anyway, and unless youre doing it yourself, you minds well add $1500 for a clutch job on top of the cars price.

-NW

vortamock

Thanks for the input! I agree, it sounds much worse than the clutch buzz. Although, I've had 2 AP1s over 8 years and neither had the buzz so I've only heard it on YouTube. Will pass along the info.