Just dropped my car off at the shop. I had a bad coolant leak that I think is the head (or somewhere right there where I can't get to it w/o taking the engine out) and then randomly started overheating even when the coolant was topped up. Unless anyone has a lead on a *very* cheap engine, I suspect that's it for my 2003 S2k. Weirdly, my old high mileage 2001 worked flawlessly the entire time I had it (until it got flooded), but this one has been nothing but a money hole, so I won't miss that part I suppose. Considering a Ford Maverick to replace it (with my terrible paying job right now I really need the better gas mileage, and I transport bikes a lot which isn't easy with an S2000 so the truck part is nice too). Suggestions (for fixes, where to find an engine, or new cars) welcome.

Also, been a while, I miss back when this forum was still super active before everybody decided to use crappier platforms; I'm glad to see it's still around!

 

What about this issue is making you think the motor needs replacing? Likely is a bad head gasket based upon your description. If it was driven and overheated too badly it could have damaged the head but they will find that when pulling it apart.

There are not really any "Cheap" motors for these. People have been getting around $4k for used motors. But I would just se what the shop finds.

 

It's a bad one at the base of the head (I think), so probably a gasket like you said. It's also overheating now even when I top up the coolant which makes me think there is damage to the head. It's also been burning oil quite badly for a long time among other things, so we'll see, but signs point to "major damage I can't afford to repair". Fingers crossed though!

 

What shop did you end up taking it to?

 

I forget, it was either CarConnex in Smyrna or Chequered Flag Automotive in Roswell, plus I did some of the work myself. I only ended up fixing part of the issue though, sadly I have a new job that pays way worse and can't afford to keep the car up properly, so I ended up selling it to someone who could afford to fix the oil problems. For the first time in over 10 years I don't have an s2k anymore

 

Good time for a K swap