Dual-Purpose AP2 S2000 Build Keeps Things Basic

Keep It Simple

Here in the S2Ki forums, you'll find builds of every degree. From simple upgrades to full-blown extreme cars constructed for track use or just amassing car show trophies. But to us, there's nothing wrong with a simple, basic build like this AP2 owned by member BoxheadTim. After all, when you're starting out with a great platform like the S2000, how much do you really need to change? 

Photos: S2Ki Forums

Making the Change

It all started with a familiar story. "I recently road-tripped to Florida to retrieve my next street/track car," the OP said. "I've been a serial Miata owner for over a decade with both track and street cars, even though I don't fit them that well as I'm a tad too tall. I've actually been on the lookout for an S2000, but for the longest time, I couldn't find one at the right intersection of cost and condition. Eventually, I decided to go for the nicest car I could find that wasn't a museum piece and ended up with this '04 AP2."

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Nice Start

The car was rather nice indeed, completely stock with 65k miles on the clock. "Of course there is room for improvement as always," the OP admitted. "But this is what I'd consider a nice starting point that hopefully won't need too much work to get on the track. This isn't supposed to be a mega project this year, as there's another project cluttering my garage as well."

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Work Begins

The project began, as is typical, with some fresh fluids and basic maintenance, an alignment, and a shifter rebuild. The clutch master cylinder was gone as well, and all four shocks were worn out. The car also needed some clutch work, so all of these things kept the OP busy for a while.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Too loose, Too Tight

It looked like the valves had never been adjusted either, so the OP tackled that job as well. "Finally got around to setting the valve clearances. The majority of the exhaust valves were a bit tight, so I aimed for 0.27mm on those and 0.23mm on the intake valves. Intake valves were mostly in spec, one was a bit too loose and one other one too tight."

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Needed Maintenance

Once he was done tinkering around with that, the OP moved on to cleaning up the nasty valve cover, replacing all the gaskets, and changing out the grungy spark plugs. In the process, he cleaned up everything he could and replaced all the filters. Afterward, the car seemed to be running much better than it was before, unsurprisingly.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Refreshing Process

This is obviously just the beginning, and the OP is currently in the process of frantically trying to get everything buttoned up in time for track season. So be sure and head over here to stay tuned for future progress, as well as catch up on what's been done so far. Because this simple build promises to be rather refreshing in more ways than one!

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.