I've been shopping for another s2k but my knowledge on their engine tuning is limited. My first was an 2000 AP1 and I didn't do anything w. the cpu.
Since AP1's are getting harder to find I thought I'd broaden my scope. Wondering the tuning options on the different year cars? '00-'03 vs '04+05 vs '06+
Not looking to do any forced induction but cai/exh/chip or computer would be nice.
Thanks!

 

Tuning is by far the best thing you can do to your car.

AP1
- AEM EMS V2 00-03 version. $1400
- Hondata KPRO. $1800 + $350 sensors
- Haltech. $1300~$1700

AP2 (<'06)
- AEM EMS V2 04-05 version. $1400
- Hondata KPRO. $1800 + $350 sensors

AP2 (>'06)
- AEM EMS V2 06+ version. $1450
- Hondata FlashPro. $700

Also available are various pre-tuned ECU's from Mugen, Spoon, etc.

Dyno tuning runs about $500 on top of the system.

AFIK none but the Hondata systems will pass emissions. Maybe someone can post about that.

 

Grasi,
Are pre-tunes available for all model years? Don't mine EMS if it's going to smog fine.
What kinda increases can you see from above mentioned?

An NA w. nasty cams would be my dream F20/22 motor!

Boof, what's your beast running these days?

 

I can't speak about pre-tunes. I think Chris had one of these at one time.
Not sure if I'd recommend them because they are probably made for a car in a Japanese environment.
AZ weather conditions are not even close.
On the other hand, maybe they are averaged enough to work. I don't know.

As for expectations, Adam's post
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/936...p-to-the-dyno/
has what '06+ cars tend to gain.

Something like this:


I would say AP1's would be similar but maybe someone who's done it can chime in.
The other side of this is not only performance but safety in our AZ weather.

----

My car hasn't changed for a while but is not a good representation because I've spent ridiculous money on it

I was happy to see the exact same numbers when I dyno'd again a year later.
That means the setup is safe and reliable.

 

Yeah best model year for cheap tuning is 06+ especially if your not doing forced induction. If you are looking for an s2000 check out this one

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/964...#entry21932197

He is local and has taken care of the car. Car is very clean and a good deal.

 

Besides all the which model year S2000 is best debate, if you are going to put engine tuning towards the top of your list of priorities for your next s2000, then without hesitating go for a 06+. If you really want and care about unlocking the F series potential then get the 06+. Flashpro is amazingly simple, and as posted, very cheap, so its the biggest bang for your buck. Once you lower the vtec engagement point the S2000 is like a completely different car. Obviously this can be done in any year S2000, but its so much cheaper and easier in a 06+. It should also be noted that emissions wise the only ECU upgrade that will allow you to easily pass emissions is the Kpro and flashpro. What I mean by easy is that you have to do nothing. You can drive to emissions and the car will pass. AEM requires some messing around, and I believe complete removal from the car to pass, unless your name is Joe.

Having about 20-30 more torque in the mid range is very nice Probably the best thing about getting a tune is the fact that you never have to wait for the power to come in. My vtec is 4200 rpm, so worst case scenario I have to wait until then to hit the powerband, which is a heck of a lot nicer than 6200rpm. In normal driving conditions its very nice to not always have to wind out the engine to get moving from a light. Car feels like it always has power, and is always in the powerband so the car is much more driveable. Car just pulls now from low rpm all the way to redline.

 

Yeah, that curve up there is pretty nice in the torx category!
Every time someone got in my old car to drive it I'd always tell them, "I swear it's a honda civic until 5k" haha
I'll have to drive an F22 before really deciding. Might have to check out the one above, Sebring IS my color of choice!

 

That Sebring silver looks like a pretty good deal!! The other reason to get an 06+ is b/c you'll likely get a better loan deal on it as well. At least when I was car shopping, that was the case. If you are paying cash for a car, just get an AP2 that is in your range. I wouldn't buy an Ap1 personally.

Flaspro made a good deal of difference on my 08' Civic Si even without dyno tuning but I did do a bunch or road tuning with it. It was definitely a lot more fun to drive around town and all the street tuning I did with it made 6th gear really nice on the highway (even better than my S2000 feels now in the area b/t 3500-4000)

I'm itchin to get my custom exhaust done and 70mm HFC purchased so I can get a Flashpro and a custom tune. Not sure if I'm going get a header or not. I don't really want to spend much on one. Maybe I'll just get a HPC coated Berk header for cheap. Gotta save a lil more so I can just get it all done in one bang. I'll spend too much time fidelin with flashpro if I get it now.

 

Look into the PLM header. I have it is and it well made and a good deal. Basically a J's copy. Your right about the financing from the bank as well.

 

I do have the Mugen ECU. It's not the optimum setup, but it feels much better than stock. I only use it during the winter and have my own concoction to reach the "optimum" octane rating. If I had it to do all over again and ECU tuning was top on my list, I'd definitely get 06+.