It isn't finished yet! I will keep you all updated on what I end up doing. Firstly, track on Friday in the S2000 to remind myself how decent it is and maybe swing myself one way or the other on the question of Elise vs Engine Build!

 

Good luck Chris
I must have missed the bit about a rebuild - is that your S2000? Is it a definite issue ?
I am surprised you haven't sat in and piloted the 981, even a 2.7. It's meant to be a good sports car, and fun. I myself may be approaching that Apple soon, and will let you know my findings. I'm curious about it.
​​​​​​This is the problem - it's Porsche cost (they aren't that bad to service ) with stupid replacement part costs and I expect some flawed build quality on the lesser known issues like Aircon, or thermostats etc.. Or a leaky, hard as hell on your back Lotus with probably its own set of flaky build issues. We tinker though us Brits. The Honda is ripe for fiddling.
As many have said , stepping out of an s2000 is difficult due to the VTEC effect, nothing else has the same power delivery / rush - I suppose a z4m is as near as damn it but that BMW engine I expect is delicate and the vanos probably fragile.
I took my S up to Ribblehead Viaduct a few weeks ago, spent 6 hours thrashing it, the wife shotgun (yes, I have the prefect wife that loves fast cars !!)
Not a drop of oil used. Captivating drive on some of Britain's best roads. Next day I'm commuting comfortably to work. The engine really is something else.. and I agree , they never ever need supercharging. Maybe a 75 shot of nos wouldn't go amiss at the lights though
The fact that now, all of a sudden the s2000 has become so sought after and well respected in the motoring community makes it difficult now to get out of one. It adds to its appeal and it's a shame the motoring press and the general public looked past it's leftfield specs all those years ago.
When I owned my first one in 2003, I knew I'd always get another one day. I'm on my 3rd one.
If the 981 doesn't light the fire, this will remain my daily (and occasional weekend thrasher).
There aren't many sports cars you have to learn to respect before you drive it properly. I think the Tamora and 111S / Exige also all fall into that bracket. Maybe even a vx220 turbo.

​​

 

vx200 you need the groin and hips of a super hero. Maybe you have right now but tomorrow? next year?
Sorry just my Lotus whinge again ...

 

No issue (other than a little bit of cold start Picton slap, but they all do that), it's just over 101k miles now and if I keep the S2000, especially as an only sports car, I'd like to make sure it lasts forever. I've already rebuilt the underneath and it makes sense to refresh the engine (possibly with a brand new block whilst they're vaguely affordable and obtainable), but potentially build something interesting with cams, maybe even rods & crank too. Half the cost of a 111R could land me a rather tasty NA f20c build. And I could still sell my engine for a few k!

I did research the 981, but it seemed like a small evolution of the later 987, and in the wrong direction in some aspects (size, elec power steering etc), and just the same engine, but for a chunk more money.

Definitely let us know what you think, if you try one.

 

Ignoring the Harris video a little earlier, I'm led to believe they are some way better than the 987.
I suppose finding those differences would lead you to owning a 987 for a long while. That's probably the best qualification. I will get that drive. I'll only be time wasting some sorry old salesman for an hour
My S is on a rather young 108k, just pampered her with new NGK R plugs on Sunday, oil 6 weeks ago.
No plans for it to pop, I feel certain it's unburstable.
The wife has given the thumbs up for the Porker.
But alas, much more to consider.
If I run mine, I will have to run it to 200k, where it'll be worth better money breaking. In 5 years time ....
If it's not rusted away by then

 

Radical or RPE V8 sir?


We still need that bank job, me more than you ATM

I'm getting the getaway car tuned by AJ

 

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

I've played with friend's Boxster 981 S.
It's too fast. The sweet spot is gone.
The fun and giggles replaced with concern and fear.
No bueno, for me at least.

 

This is a great option!

For the all in one solution though, I think Porsche is probably going to provide your best options. I do feel similarly to you though about the looks of the early boxters and caymans but the newer spyders are growing on me in both looks and performance. How is 911 s pricing where you live?

 

See previous posts on 911s. I'm not a fan, and it's only been kept as the 'best' Porsche through deliberately keeping power down on the Cayman etc and not fitting LSDs etc. The Boxster/Cayman are fast enough, practical enough, lighter and have the engine in the right place. I did consider a 997 though, before realising the above.