I am trying to decide between the two "versions" of the s2000. Specifically I am looking into the engine and tranny. My understanding is that the AP2, even with the ~10% more power throughout the rev range, actually feels slower than the AP1, not to mention that the power delivery is much more aggressive for the AP1 than the AP2. I also realize though that the tranny on the AP2 has some improvements that add to the life of the tranny and the car as a whole.

So I ask, what are your thoughts? Why have you decided to go AP1 or AP2? Would you go the other way if you could do it again? What changes have you noticed when you remove the clutch delay valve on the AP2, or is that even possible?

I will be using the car as a weekend driver/toy with track use and mountain Sunday trips. No street racing and no drag.

I will also be putting on intake and exhaust, so take that into account.

Ryan

 

I got the APdeuce because thats the only one i could get new at the time.

 

the ap2 is much better for daily driving...if that isn't a concern then i'd say go with an ap1 - you'll save money on insurance (age of car) and the purchase price. power is too close to call so don't go by that...it's been debated both ways. clutch delay valve can be removed in the ap2's and it's a relatively easy process. if you're using it for a track toy i wouldn't be concerned with tranny life since you're going to be driving it hard...you may have to end up replacing it either way in the long run. ap2 looks better IMO but most stuff can be easily changed to look like one on the ap1. sounds like you're leaning ap1 so i say drive both and get the ap1.

 

The "improvements" to the overall life of the transmission/diff on the AP2 can be attributed to the clutch delay valve on all 04+ cars. Other than that, the AP2 transmission has carbon synchronizers while the AP1 cars are still equipped with brass synchronizers. I've driven all the S2000 lineup, from 00 to 06, I like the feel of the AP2 transmission better.
Generally, I think it's a good idea to buy the highest year of car you can afford. Especially with a car like the S2000, you'll get the benefit of little tweaks and other manufacturer changes that help better the car. I bought my '03 in mint condition for thousands under the lowest value I could book the car at. It was a stupid good deal. However, that was in May of '06. If I was buying a car now I'd be looking at AP2s that are no doubt in the same price range at this time of year.
If I were buying right now I'd be hunting for an '04 with 5-9k miles, one owner, and an impeccable service history. People sell these cars in the winter because a) they're tired of it and have acquired something else b) they're hurting for cash and need the thing gone. The best deals are to be had in the next few months, good luck.

 

I got an AP2 because of the new looks of the interior and exterior. They are very subtle, but if you pay attention to detail the changes are obvious. CDV is a pain in the ass but i hear it is easy to remove.

I believe that for 98% of the time when car makers produce a new model, the newer one is always better.

Just my opinion, please don't hang me(all you AP1s).

 

If you can, test drive them both and see which one you like best.

AP2 = more livable
AP1 = more fun

Either way, you can't lose.

 

I don't know where you got your info but in my own experience, (currently owning both AP1, MY00 and AP2, MY06), the AP2 definitely feels faster, but he AP1 is alot more fun to drive.

 

Not that I own both But I'll say it for all the ap1 owners out there "9,000 RPM's baby!" Definitely more fun.

 

drive both and compare. I went with the newest/lowest mileage AP1 I could find. Partly because of price, partly because I wanted what I thought would be a more raw and pure car since this is a second car. I haven't driven an AP2 since I had my heart set on the AP1 from the get go. I also prefer the styling of the AP1, but that's just me. If you are really considering both, you need to drive both and draw your own conclusions.

 

My opinion is that the AP2 is better in stock form for autocrossing and track. The suspension tweaks and minimal increase in torque makes a difference. I agree that the 9k rpm is fun, but what does it really get you?

On some auto-x courses, the additional 1k allows you to stay in the current gear and not shift, which is a GOOD thing. However, that advantage is offset by the others in the AP2. Now a modified AP1 versus AP2 is another story altogether.