This 300k Mile S2000 Is the Perfect Project Car

Ratty, Worn, but Perfect

Readers of Road & Track are likely already familiar with Brian Silvestro and his affinity for the Honda S2000. But Silvestro's latest S2000 might be our own personal favorite - a ratty, well-worn, 300,000-mile AP1 that he purchased solely for the purpose of taking it to the track and having some fun with the car.

Mostly Original

Silvestro says that the S2000's engine was rebuilt at around the 275k-mile mark, and the car remains in mostly stock condition save for the addition of a cold-air intake and cheap coilovers. He's since replaced the latter with a set of quality KW V3s, but everything else - inside, out, and underneath - is totally original and well worn.

Photos: Brian Silvestro for Road & Track



>>Join the conversation about this well-loved AP1 for sale right here in S2Ki.com.

Drives Great

Surprisingly for a car that has such high mileage, Silvestro says the AP1 drives great. "Everything is tight and dialed, with no major flaws to be found in the steering, suspension, or drivetrain," he says. "I thought for sure all of the bushings would be blown out and the car would ride terribly. But no, it's perfectly normal."

Photos: Brian Silvestro for Road & Track



>>Join the conversation about this well-loved AP1 for sale right here in S2Ki.com.

Few Issues

Of course, any car with six-figure mileage is going to need something, and that's the case here as well. The brakes need attention, VTEC isn't kicking in, the soft top has a hole in it that's been duct-taped, and the seats are in rough shape. Silvestro took care of the brakes and a few other minor issues before hitting the track for the first time recently.

Photos: Brian Silvestro for Road & Track



>>Join the conversation about this well-loved AP1 for sale right here in S2Ki.com.

Call It a Win

Out at Lime Rock Park, the S2000 performed quite well and didn't break, though it wasn't pulling too hard on the straights thanks to that aforementioned VTEC issue. The tires, which are mismatched and worn, didn't provide much grip in the corners, either. Regardless, the cheap, high-mileage AP1 still put a smile on the face of everyone who drove it, which obviously made this virgin outing a win.

Photos: Brian Silvestro for Road & Track



>>Join the conversation about this well-loved AP1 for sale right here in S2Ki.com.

Tiny Problem

While nothing broke at the track, after leaving, Silvestro noticed a tapping noise coming from the right rear corner, which thankfully was just a loose muffler. The car didn't even burn an excessive amount of oil, though there are some things that need to be addressed. 

Photos: Brian Silvestro for Road & Track



>>Join the conversation about this well-loved AP1 for sale right here in S2Ki.com.

Coming Soon

Those include grabbing a new set of tires, fixing the VTEC issue, and at the very least, replacing the driver's seat. Lower down the priority list are cosmetic items like a few small rust spots, but otherwise, it looks like this cheap S2000 track build is going to be one seriously fun, worry-free project.

Photos: Brian Silvestro for Road & Track



>>Join the conversation about this well-loved AP1 for sale right here in S2Ki.com.