How goes it everyone? I took delivery of a 2003 Silver S2000 today from a local dealership. One previous owner, clean carfax, 39k miles, and the only blemish is a slight scuff on one of the wheels (Which are wrapped in brand new Potenzas). Even though it looked well cared for and very stock I still got the warranty for the simple reason that I don't have to take it to the dealership to be serviced (pretty sweet if you ask me).
Initial impressions: The ride is a lot firmer than the 06 I test drove. The clutch is also a little grabby when taking off in first (time for a new one?) which i didn't notice on the 06. It's crazy how short the throws are for a stock shifter. After getting used to RWD I'd say the handling is on par or better than my old WRX that had some suspension upgrades. It simply shines in the turns and is no slouch strait line either. Did I mention that I love the symphony that plays between 6-9k rpms?
I'm very pleased with the car so far, which is a good thing considering I'm gonna be paying on it for some years to come.

Concerns: The revs. where do you guys cruise rpm wise? 60mph in 6th has me at like 3,200ish. Normal? I don't think I'm used to the short gears but cruising at 70mph+ i feel like I need another gear or something.
The stock intake: WTF? that big ass tube and filter and a snorkel for air? I'm pretty sure that'll be my first mod besides changing the diff/tranny fluid (piece of mind).
The air pump: What does it do? Is it the thing that looks like a BPV on the Intake manifold? When I start the car I hear this kind of whining noise (NOT the A/C compressor) that turns off after a few seconds... same thing?

 

The ride should be more firm than an AP2 (04-07) and I also would agree that the 2002-2003 model years catch the easiest. It should catch high compared to most cars, and definitely compared to the WRX cause I had one. Also, the WRX really shouldn't compare at all to a WRX, suspension-wise at least. I had a lot of suspension upgrades on my WRX and in no way did it handle like this car. But that's not really a concern, that's mostly preference.

I usually keep it at low revs to save on gas. I try to shift lower than 3k. I would definitely have the car in 6th at 60mph unless I'm in vtec or something. I would change the intake as the very first mod...I have a Comptech ice box and it has a filter inside a box that's very similar to the OEM. It sounds awesome too. Good luck

 

The air pump is put on the S2000 to warm up the cat faster (I think). That noise you hear is the air pump running when you first start the car.

BTW - Congrats on your purchase and enjoy!

 

The modding has begun: I just ordered a K&N Gen2 FIPK. Should add to the enjoyment of the car. Aside from the intake I think a testpipe will be the only other substantial mod until I get it paid down/ save up for BOOST. Finding out that these cars come from the factory with forged internals makes me very happy, and very determined to take full advantage of it.

 

Congrats, you have great taste when it comes to cars.