Car and Bike Talk Discussions and comparisons of cars and motorcycles of all makes and models.

sc300 or s2000

Thread Tools
 
Old 04-29-2008, 06:46 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
scors2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default sc300 or s2000

Hi imp tiring to decide between a 2jzgte and 6 speed in a sc300 or getting an s2000. I love the way both of the cars look. The power a 2jz is outstanding but the handling of the s2000 is spectacular. I guess what I would like to know is can you get 300whp in the s2 with out building the bottom end. I would like to achieve this power all motor but if not can this motor handle boost. I would also like to know which motor can handle more abuse the older 2.0 liter or the new bigger motor. Thank you all for reading this and I hope you guys can help make a decision.
Old 04-29-2008, 06:52 AM
  #2  

 
WashabiS2K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Francisco, Bay Area
Posts: 9,563
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

1. you can achieve 300hp without building the bottom end because the internals come forged from the factory.

2.You will not be able to make 300hp all motor (unless you go with a stroker kit) but the engine can handle boost. You may want to check out the forced induction section of the forum.

3.Both the 2.0L and the 2.2L are more than capable, and I don't believe there is any real difference between which can handle more stress on the engine.
Old 04-29-2008, 02:20 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
DouglaS2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Santa Monica/West LA
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I have both cars, well, the SC400 which is pretty much the same thing with exception to the V8. But you are deciding between two very different cars.

The SC300 is a GT with decent amount of interior and trunk space. Handling is fairly soft and the car is pretty damn heavy regardless of engine size. It's more of a comfortable cruiser than a sportscar. If you want it as a DD with modding potential, I'd pick it since it's just easier to drive around town.

But if you're really bent on a car with great handling, nicer manual gearbox, and much better fuel efficiency, the S2000 would be better. Keep in mind however that since the S2000 is a much newer car, it costs quite a bit more to mod. Not to mention the higher starting cost of the car itself.

Depending on the model year, the 92-96 SC300 can be had for around $4,000-$7,000. The 97+ models usually run at least $8k if they are in decent condition.

The S2000 on the other hand, can run anywhere from $12k-$15k for the AP1 versions, and $15k-$20k+ for the AP2.

Now those figures will vary by region, but that's about the ballpark you should be looking at.



Mine is a 92 and I found it for a good price at $3,700. Just upgraded the wheels/tires and suspension. Been a great car so far.

You might even want to consider the 91-94 MR2 Turbo.
Old 04-29-2008, 02:52 PM
  #4  

 
GPWonTan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i use to have a rare '97 5spd in black and i must say i dont regret the s2k at all. they r apples to oranges so u gota figure out what u wanna do.
the turbo 2jzgte is not all that its cracked up to b. its a lota mods and can have problems and u cant lose the weight no matter wut. dont get me wrong, the SC is an excellent reliable car. but from the sound of it, performance is what matters and S2K is the better choice
Old 04-29-2008, 03:03 PM
  #5  
Banned
 
Heysus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by scors2,Apr 29 2008, 06:46 AM
The power a 2jz is outstanding but the handling of the s2000 is spectacular.
Looks like you said it best there. Seems you'll have to pick which is more important to you. However, there are A LOT of over 300-rwhp S2000s on here. Moreover, the SC can be very old and beaten up because, well, they are old.
Old 04-29-2008, 03:39 PM
  #6  
Registered User

 
sahtt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,409
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The sc's were one of kind during their time. Their time is over, it's just for fun/originality at this point. A 2jz sc is going to have a completely different feel vs an s2000, I mean almost polar opposities in the sports car arena.

The sc is a great cruising car that has a lot of potential. But regardless, an older lexus is not cheap to maintain. It might be half or a third of a comparable benz, but we are still talking 2-4k a year outside of tires/oil. It might be a little cheaper with the sc3, I had an ls4 for a while. To put it into perspective, lexus wanted 2 grand for the timing belt job I did on mine. That's more than an NSX FYI.

If you need it to be reliable and driveable I'd get the s2000. The sc is a poject car once you put the 2jz in unless you get a 99/00 sc and pay a small fortune for a professional job [25k said and done].
Old 04-29-2008, 04:09 PM
  #7  
Registered User
 
DouglaS2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Santa Monica/West LA
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

[QUOTE=sahtt,Apr 29 2008, 04:39 PM]The sc's were one of kind during their time.
Old 04-30-2008, 09:40 AM
  #8  
Registered User
 
ace123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

300whp is easy to achieve with an s2000. if you want to drop the clutch frequently, you're likely to need a differential.

if you want to run it at stoplights and on the freeway, get the SC. if you want to cruise canyons/corners/tracks, get the s2000 and a supercharger or turbo kit.

generally superchargers are easier to make reliable, while turbo systems (which can be just as reliable if your tuning is great) give you a lot more torque and will make for a much faster car for the same HP.
Old 04-30-2008, 09:47 AM
  #9  
Banned
 
GPMike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: USSA
Posts: 10,514
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The mere fact you are even considering an SC300 tells me you are not S2000 material. Go with the Lex.
Old 04-30-2008, 09:10 PM
  #10  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
scors2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by GPMike,Apr 30 2008, 09:47 AM
The mere fact you are even considering an SC300 tells me you are not S2000 material. Go with the Lex.
I've worked on supras for years I owned 4 mk3s(which I have taken road racing) and I own a sc 300 now. My original plan was to put a 2jz in the sc. My friend owns a 2007 s2000 and he let me drive it drive it. I was very impressed with the handling of it I started to consider to change my taste. It reminded of my go-cart days. Even though that the sc is heavy it


Quick Reply: sc300 or s2000



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:01 PM.