Hi guys,

Im looking at buying a second hand S2K (1999 and up models) and am interested in the mechanical differences of earlier models compared to the newer models. I tried searching through the Aussie forum but couldn't find anything substantial...

Thanks in advance for any replies

Michael

 

Basically there are no major modifications between any Australian model s2000 (only the US get the 2.2L 04 model). Not many mechanical ones either.

Pre-02 models have a plastic rear window, later models have a smaller glass rear window.

99 models do not have a clock in the car, other models have a clock on the radio display (as far as I know).

99 models *sometimes* have an issue with the gearbox grinding gears when trying to select 2nd. My 99 model does not have this problem so far....touchwood.

I think 02 and later models run a bit leaner compared to earlier models?? I think the ECU is slightly different.

Oh and later models maye have a slightly different wheel alignment setting.

Can somebody confirm this?

M@

 

Michael, the differences between the original 1999 model and later models are mainly cosmetic. The engine and gearbox has not changed in that time. There was a new revised (stronger springs) clutch released in approx 2002 (not sure of exact date).

For the 2003 model Honda revised the suspension settings in that they made the front sway bar stiffer and softened the rear springs.

The just released 2004 model has 17" wheels and different tyre sizes so that the rolling circumference is roughly the same as the 16" wheels.

For the 2002 model a glass rear window was introduced but this was only half the size of the plastic window. Other changes have been things like colours, interior trim colours, different radio controls & chrome around the headlights etc.

If you're looking for a used one - a 1999 or 2000 model that has already had the new clutch installed would be OK. You can achieve roughly the same suspension changes with a $200 front swaybar from Whiteline (order through Muz on this board).

I wouldn't worry about the glass rear window. A well cleaned plastic one offers almost equivalent rear vision due to its larger size. Anyway, it's better to drive with the roof down!

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm going to test drive a 99 model tomorrow and hopefully if there are no significant problems i'll go for it. Good to hear there are no major differences other than the clutch, minor exterior and suspension changes as I plan to get some 17s, and some springs in the future.

 

Oh the another slight bit more functional than cosmetic, but not quite so much mechanical... the windblocker inbetween the seats (small plastic flip-up/down screen on top of the centre "secret" compartment). I think it may have been an option on the early models, and therefore not present in all vehicles.

M@

 

The Honda windblockers are quite expensive (over $350 I think) and not nearly as effective as the Muz windblockers.

The Muz ones are completely clear and easily moutable/demountable with two wingnuts. Muz will correct me if I'm wrong here, but I vaguelly recall they were less than $100 when I got mine. However, they could not be described as glamourous.

I have driven one S2000 with 17" wheels and my unscientific instinctive emotional reaction is that they are not as good as the standard 16" wheels.

 

I've just gone from a '99 into an '02.

In doing so, I broke the cardinal rule about buying cars- I didn't drive the '02 before I bought it. So, when I picked it up, I was in for a very pleasant surprise.

Putting the cosmetic changes aside, which are definitely an improvement, I have to say the changeover cash was very well spent. Going from a car with 46k to one with 5k might be part of it, but it just seems much better put together. And it feels a lot smoother- e.g. no more of those second gear crunches.

My point is this- if you can afford an '02 or '03, do it. People are asking- and some people are paying- stupid money for 5 year old cars at the moment. Case in point, I got $47k for my '99 (note- in my opinion, whilst I looked after it, it sure wasn't worth that much). And the '02, almost brand new, cost me only $10k on top of that.

In any case, best of luck.

cheers
Fisty

 

The 02 and up are know to have a slight power bump as well

 

This might sound a bit strange, but the thing I dislike about new cars is the warranty! Seriously, I found it very limiting and stressful making sure everything was right to please the Honda overlords.

I bought the extended warranty for my car but I'm actually glad it is now 4 years old (this month!) and out of orignal warranty. It's so liberating!

If I were to replace it I would get a 2001 Spa Yellow, but only for the colour. I'll probably replace the soft top with a 2002 version with glass at some stage but for the moment I am very happy.

 

Price is under half that of the factory screen (approx $145AUD). As for fastening kit all aeroscreens have had an attractive lobe style knob and stainless bolts for quite some time now. They look 100 times better than the wingnuts of old and are easily retro-fittable Aeroscreen is available in clear or tinted versions.