F22C swapped AP1 S2000 Hits the Track!
Thunderhill West is the perfect place to shake down a fresh F22C engine swap and a new wing.
Zygrene recently dropped this cool onboard video from track testing during his recent trip to Thunderhill Raceway. His AP1 S2000 has had quite an update with an F22C engine swap. The F22C is, of course, the updated engine that powered the AP2 S2000. As a result, an engine swap isn’t a monumental task. In fact, it’s pretty much plug and play if the engine is all bone stock. The AP1 ECU can even be used, but gas mileage will suffer and you need to watch the redline.
The larger benefits of an F22C swap are a stronger head and valve springs as well as better mid-range torque. It’s also the logical step for a worn out, or blown AP1 F20C engine, in which case the biggest benefit there is an engine that works.
ALSO SEE: Track-built S2000 Review
In Zygrene’s case, he over-revved his F20C by going down a gear instead of up a gear at the track. From then on he found the engine misbehaved. It needed valve adjustments between short periods of use and the engine would start sputtering after hard use. Chances were, at that point, it would need a new or rebuilt head. But, after an oil change showed copper contamination from the rod bearings, then it was clear the existing engine was going to cost more in work than putting in a new engine. At that point, a motor swap with a solid F22C makes absolute sense.
For the track, a lot of people stick with the AP1 gearbox and the AP1 flywheel. The AP1 gearbox has taller gearing that helps increase the F22C engines top speed in 2nd gear to around 65 mph. The original flywheel is considerably lighter than the AP2 unit, weighing at 14 lb rather than 22 lb. With new engine mounts, a new OEM clutch and a heavy duty pressure plate then the drivetrain is ready to take more power if the F22C gets new upgrades.
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