Engine swap. Trip to Fantasyland....
08-14-2002, 10:13 AM
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Engine swap. Trip to Fantasyland....
Another slow day at work with not much to do.... Here's a thought: After seeing a few threads of other cars (eg: Corolla, BMW 3-series, and kit cars) swapping in the S2000's F20C motor, I am surprised that there are no S2000's with engine swaps of their own. So, I decided to dream up some ways to bastardize our beloved S2k.
PROPOSAL:
OK, so here's the imaginary scenerio. Your F20C decides to throw a rod and let's say Honda is not willing to warranty it. Your forced with the prospect of either finding a replacement S2000 motor or try something new and inventive.
WHAT YOU HAVE:
-You've allocated $20,000 USD to the project.
-Access to a vast array of car parts from a junkyard (NOTE: there are no Ferraris or Lambo's in this yard)
YOUR MISSION IF YOU ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT IT:
What engine combination would you try to shoehorn into the S2000?
Please list parts and approx. expenditure and an explanation of your choice in powerplant.
RULES:
Although this is an exercise in fantasy, be reasonable in your choices. For example, a 440 Hemi sizewise is NOT going to fit in an S2000. Neither is it practical to suggest that an NSX's midmounted and transversely mounted engine be easily adapted for S2000 use without serious expenditure. I know in reality that some engines may or may not fit but we'll dispense with too much detail.
PROPOSAL:
OK, so here's the imaginary scenerio. Your F20C decides to throw a rod and let's say Honda is not willing to warranty it. Your forced with the prospect of either finding a replacement S2000 motor or try something new and inventive.
WHAT YOU HAVE:
-You've allocated $20,000 USD to the project.
-Access to a vast array of car parts from a junkyard (NOTE: there are no Ferraris or Lambo's in this yard)
YOUR MISSION IF YOU ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT IT:
What engine combination would you try to shoehorn into the S2000?
Please list parts and approx. expenditure and an explanation of your choice in powerplant.
RULES:
Although this is an exercise in fantasy, be reasonable in your choices. For example, a 440 Hemi sizewise is NOT going to fit in an S2000. Neither is it practical to suggest that an NSX's midmounted and transversely mounted engine be easily adapted for S2000 use without serious expenditure. I know in reality that some engines may or may not fit but we'll dispense with too much detail.
08-14-2002, 10:24 AM
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OK.... I'll start off:
Engine combination:
1) BMW E46 M3 engine w/6speed transmission, electronics, and differential - ~$8,000 (used)
PROS:
-330+ hp and 260+ ft-lbs torque
-6 speed transmission
-Normally aspirated powerband
-8,000rpm redline, Just 1000rpm shy of the F20C
-Narrow I-6 engine, easier fit between the shock towers.
CONS:
-Reliability or Durability?
-Long engine probably means hacking the hell out of the front crossmember compromising rigidity if no other fortification mod is used.
-With the expense and time, you might as well have gotten an M-Roadster.
-Electronics nightmare in adaptation for S2000 use. Disabling the TC, EBD, etc.
Engine combination:
1) BMW E46 M3 engine w/6speed transmission, electronics, and differential - ~$8,000 (used)
PROS:
-330+ hp and 260+ ft-lbs torque
-6 speed transmission
-Normally aspirated powerband
-8,000rpm redline, Just 1000rpm shy of the F20C
-Narrow I-6 engine, easier fit between the shock towers.
CONS:
-Reliability or Durability?
-Long engine probably means hacking the hell out of the front crossmember compromising rigidity if no other fortification mod is used.
-With the expense and time, you might as well have gotten an M-Roadster.
-Electronics nightmare in adaptation for S2000 use. Disabling the TC, EBD, etc.
08-14-2002, 10:54 AM
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LS6 engine.. some shoehorning and shaving.. but i think it could fit.. 
405hp
biggest problem.. what diff that would fit an s2000 could handle that kinda power?
or
supra motor w/ single turbo.. heck it'll fit a IS300
i have no idea if either of those are actually possible.. if it is that would be one hell of a street car
anyone know any swaps that are sure to work?? there is ALOT of extra room in our engine bay
405hp
biggest problem.. what diff that would fit an s2000 could handle that kinda power?
or
supra motor w/ single turbo.. heck it'll fit a IS300
i have no idea if either of those are actually possible.. if it is that would be one hell of a street car
anyone know any swaps that are sure to work?? there is ALOT of extra room in our engine bay
08-14-2002, 12:10 PM
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E36/E46 M3 engine depending on cost. Bolted to stock transmission because you can't replicate that shifter feel with a BMW tranny! 
If that wouldn't work, I'd try a Supra I-6.
Those are the only two engines other than the F20C that I think would be worth trying.
If that wouldn't work, I'd try a Supra I-6.
Those are the only two engines other than the F20C that I think would be worth trying.
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08-14-2002, 12:43 PM
#8
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How about M5 engine? Would that fit? I wouldn't mind 400hp under the hood. There goes the 50/50 weight distribution though. But then we'll be able to kill the BMW Z8.
