Just got a 2001 S2000 with 80000 miles on it last Friday. I have been interested in this car for years. Went from a 1999 Miata to this. The car had an aftermarket ceramic clutch and was very difficult to drive. I suspected that the clutch was going and when I took it to Honda to inspect it the clutch failed completely. They replaced the hydraulic system to see if that would fix the issue and are now replacing the whole clutch system tomorrow. During inspection they noticed that the engine was not original. No telling how many miles are on the engine. The car has Buddy Club headers and the ap2 exhaust system on it. It also has the ap2 front end.

As excited as I was about getting my first s2k I am now afraid to even drive it. The mechanic at Honda said the engine runs right and the drive train is smooth. There is a rattling noise when I let off the accelerator in gear and I am hoping it is related to the clutch. I also noticed that if I shifted into 2nd quickly the gear would grind and I couldn't get into it. Again, I am hoping this is related to the clutch going bad.

I am excited to be apart of this community and am looking for some advice from veteran s2k owners.

 

 

Welcome.

Check out the link in my signature for new owners.

 

Sounds like the previous owner did some major work to this car. These are tell tale signs of the type of cars not to buy. While the clutch is getting done I would service the transmission. Second gear sleeve and or synchro is toothless and that's your grinding. Change to a stock pressure plate and clutch, new pilot and release bearing. That's 2,000. Could've put that towards a better S.

 

jst2878, the entire clutch assembly including the flywheel has been replaced. I have not had a chance to drive the car yet. The mechanic is confident the car will be right after the work. I appreciate the advice, and while I feel I jumped the gun a bit because of the price, I am hoping this car is now one to enjoy for years to come.

 

"As excited as I was about getting my first s2k I am now afraid to even drive it. The mechanic at Honda said the engine runs right and the drive train is smooth. There is a rattling noise when I let off the accelerator in gear and I am hoping it is related to the clutch. I also noticed that if I shifted into 2nd quickly the gear would grind and I couldn't get into it. Again, I am hoping this is related to the clutch going bad."

Your mechanic at Honda said that the engine runs right and the drive train is smooth, so I would assume that everything is okay. When you stated that there is a rattling noise when you decelerate in gear, are you talking about the notorious clutch buzz apparent in AP1's? If so, my current 2001 Honda s2000 also has a rattling noise when I let off the gas, this is a normal characteristic of the car. Here is a link to the common problems, inside the link you will find a TSB for your second gear grid issue. My old s2000 also grinded gears when I shifted really fast, jamming the gear into the pocket. IMO it was my drivers error. If I just shifted a second slower the gear went in smooth. I haven't driven my current AP1 hard enough the replicate my old Ap1's second gear grind.

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/681...ons-1999-2009/

 

I'm not saying it's the problem in this case, but a lo of people try to shift to fast.

I can grind mine going into 3rd with poor shifting technique.

Be sure to fully engage the clutch before moving out of 1st. Don't jam the gear into second; let it slip into it (yes, sex is an apt comparison).

For me, adjusting clutch pedal play, greasing the shifter, and GM Synchromesh transmission fluid helped.