vader1

Well the RF with the Edelbrock SC could be right for you. Get a used 2019 next year for mid twenties and for $30k you have the power and torque for serious fun. I had that SC in my S2000 and it was a blast.

darcyw

hey, Chevy! Suck it!
darcy

TheDonEffect

I get the sense that the drivetrain really isnt stout enough to hold up to forced induction for an extended amount of time, but yeah that would be fun.

But then there's the sound of a v8...

ZSAK

just ls3 swap it

TheDonEffect

California always ruins the fun.

Bullwings

RF ND2 here.

But, I still own an S2k and don't see replacing it unless it becomes a chore to maintain and keep running.

I've driven and ridden in a couple of bigger powered cars - 400-550hp range and didn't find the torque as exciting as a light weight car that I could wring out and row through gears. Also, my criteria is still prioritized around a track car that has low maintenance and low cost to operate while still providing a "driver" focused experience - the ND captures all of that for me.

TheDonEffect

Yeah the ND definitely appeals to the very loud sensible side of me. I know running errands in it will probably be more fun and I can maintain it more or less without sacrificing elsewhere. And for practically the same price i could buy new which is always a plus, although knowing it will be a mid 20s car next year used is something to consider.

The SS appeals to the child in me, and isnt that who we're all trying to please in the end?

HawkeyeGeoff

6th gen 1LE. Nothing compares to it. I'm a little biased though and had the opportunity to work them in a very involved fashion.

I've driven both pretty extensively and for me it's no question if you don't mind paying up for the fuel and tires.

vader1

I am familiar with some gear failures in earlier cars and Mazda has gone through a few parts revisions to get things right and had to replace some transmissions, but after a revision in 2017, I have really yet to read about any problems.

I'd want a stronger clutch with FI, but that is a given on lots of vehicles. They are not pushing huge power with the off the shelf kits, just huge power for that weight. You will end up wanting what you want, but if I were going to put an FI kit on one of these, I personally would not lose a lot of sleep over longevity because they are not ridiculous amounts of power and torque.

TheDonEffect

Yeah but I get the sense that Mazda increased the durability marginally until the failures became bearable, doesn't give the sense of a lot of headroom you want when starting to do things like aftermarket FI. So while I agree with your sentiment, I don't think anyone will describe the drivetrain as stout.

And it sorta distorts the charm of the car, cheap fun, and I'd be happy with a conservative tune with smog legal bolt ons.

While I miss the power, it's more the drama of it that I miss, the rush of torque and the glorious noises. The only racing I do is mostly on the bar stool, so I don't need the power in the practical sense, just the experience of it. The s2000 for me provided adequate oomph, adequate with a capital A.