I'm currently in the market for an s2000 and right now im leaning toward the ap2 only because of looks. I was just wondering which one had more supporting engine mods? I searched quite a bit and i found it to be quite equivalent. Im definately going to turbo the car, but im really not sure which model to get yet. I dont want any bias, just tell me which ones have more engine upgrade options..

Ill be buying it next winter, but im between the s2k, rx8 and bmw z4. But leaning towards the s2k because its extremly moddable [sweet word huh] and its a beautiful car.

sorry if this has been covered i just couldnt find it. [Most would flame me on my mazda6 forum]

 

2.2 more whp/whp, shorter gearing 1-4, longer 5-6, 6k-8k vtec, quicker spool for turbo, stronger valvetrain, stronger diff, weak clutch & clutch delay valve (CDV).

2.0 longer vtec 6k-9k, lighter flywheel, no CDV, lighterweight, narrower tires, stiffer suspension, more oversteer, higher redline.

I think that sums it up with turbo in mind.

 

except for the stronger dif. The ap2 has a reinforced housing, but the differential gears themselves are just as weak as before. The flywheel and CDV are replaceable so I wouldn't worry much about that. If you like the looks of the AP2 better and end up with an AP1 you can update the lights and body panels with some modifications.

I would think the AP2 would make more sense with a Turbo application because it offers a little more TQ (something all Hondas lack), seems it would make the turbo benifits a little better in the low end while waiting for boost. just my opinion . I'm sure others will say the 9K rev limit will allow fore more power and boost so its really up to what you want with the car

Almost all engine modifications are built for both models AP1 & AP2 (unless you buy 06 and up due to DBW). One does not have more engine modification available than the other

 

Here is what I think. I like the AP2 more because it simply looks better -- I don't think there is any doubt that the AP2 is better cosmetically. And if you do? Then it's personal preference. But honestly, no offense, the only people that say AP1 looks better are the ones that own an AP1.

Also, I am not shy to admit that I'm not a really good driver of any sort. So something that's a bit less tail happy would make my life a bit easier -- talking about out-of-the-box handling here. If you mod? Then it doesn't matter. Also the AP2 got rid of some minor issues from previous years, has stronger synchros in the tranny, stronger/stiffer sub-frame. These are things that are hard to replace. The only two real good reason for getting an AP1 would be:

1. For price/monetary reasons
2. Because you want the 9000rpm redline (which I'll explain in a bit)

Otherwise, there isn't really any good reason for an AP1 in my opinion. The gearing on the AP2 is simply much better, and (along the extra bit of torque) is a better drive in daily driving. You have shorter gearing in 1 through 4, but lower revs in 5 and 5 on highway. Besides, if I remember correctly, the AP2 is actually faster around Tsubuka (mostly due to suspension changes in 2004). Also, if not mistaken, those who track their cars and have owned both the AP1 and AP2 find better lap times with their AP2s.

I used to own an USDM AP2, have driven USDM AP1s, and I own a 2004 JDM AP1 right now, which is basically an AP2 with F20c engine and AP1 gearing (but with carbon synchros). I must say that the gearing on the AP2 is just better. The ratios on the AP1 between the gears aren't as good as the AP2's.

So what's the deal with the 9000rpm redline? Well, it's something that people like to brag about, which I could never fully understand why. Having an extra 800rpm doesn't make an engine better (yes, the F22c's redline is actually 8200rpm, not just 8K). Nor does it make a car faster. The real difference lies in the fact the the VTEC kicks in at 6,000rpm for both F22c and F20c. This means there is 800 fewer revs in VTEC -- this is the crucial part. The F22c engine runs out of VTEC too quickly, with only 2K in VTEC. The extra rev in VTEC range allows the driver to have a bit more slack in shifting through the gears around the track. There will be more times that the F22c's lower redline would get a driver caught up in hitting the rev limiter before he's got the car straightened out coming out of a corner. Or there are times when you simply don't know whether to keep bouncing off the rev limiter at 2nd gear before hitting a turn? Or go up to 3rd and back down to 2nd in a very short period of time? Or just upshift and turn @ 3rd gear but risk dropping out of VTEC when you come out of a turn?

Anyway, that's MY opinion between the AP1 (or AP1.5?) and AP2.

I think for me, the ideal situation is to have the AP2 with F20c engine (but with AP2 gearing). I would love to put an AP2 tranny into my 04 AP1, and get to keep the 9000rpm for the extra VTEC range and all the cosmetic changes and stiffer subframe the AP2s got.

 

The diff housing is a big factor..it's nice, unless you pay later on an AP1

 

ok i have a 03...personal oppinion would never get a ap2 9 more torque...not a big deal i love the 9k redline and personally i like the look of te ap1 better some would argue that but its all personal preference really im going to be turboing my ap1 next winter =) yay for me ha goodluck on your search

 

For turbo the ap2 shorter gearing is actually a disadvantage. At least one of the high hp turbo guys has even gone to 3.90 gears.

For turbo, it is pretty much a wash between the ap1 & ap2...the numbers come out very close. The ap1 with extra rpm allows for more boost. But the ap2 larger displacement makes up for a few hundred rpm lost (and any decent turbo tuner is going to up the redline on the ap2 up to 8500rpm anyway).

For SC...the extra rpm makes a bigger difference since the boost is completely tied to how fast the engine can spin.

For other mods...as mentioned...pretty much the same other than for the MY06+ cars with DBW.