Hi all,

My name's Toby, and I'm from Scaramento, CA.

I actually went to look at a few RSX-S's this past weekend for commute/track car, but came home with a Yellow 2001 S2000 w/45,000 miles. Car runs strong, and it looks great. I traded an 03 Civic Si.

I have a few of questions:

Is a "lumpy" idle normal? (I'm assuming this is due to a hot cam, but thought I should ask)

Is a notchy shifter normal? (the Si was extrememly smooth)

It has a "tinny" sound at about 3000-4000 rpm while decelerating. Is this normal?

Out of paranoia, I purchased a 4yr/48,000 Honda Care bumper-to-bumper warranty just in case.

Great forum! Thanks for any insight you can give.

 

I own a MY05 so maybe an AP1 owner could better clue you in, but to my knowledge the idle isnt normally lumpy as described.

notchy shifter is normal when cold but usually goes away when the car/oils get warmed up.

The 3000-4000 sound is either small amount of drone upon acceleration load. or a buzz sound during decel. both of which are normal.

Wish i could make my car an all out tracker!

pics?

 

Thanks Integra21!

I have a friend that owns an NSX, and he had heard the notchy shifter was normal (NSX can have similar issue). He said he heard people were using GM Synchromesh oil in the trans, which resolves most of that.

I guess "droning" is a better word, and that explains it exactly.

 

Welcome aboard and congrats on your purchase (you got the best year AND color ).

The lumpy idle is not normal. Some of the early s2000's need a tap on the MAP sensor to clear up an idle issue. The MAP sensor sits on top of the throttle body, you can use the handle of a screw driver to gently tap on it while the car is running.

The notchy shifter is normal, mine usually takes a few miles to warm up. I change my trans fluid every 15,000 miles. People can barely tell a difference when using GM synchromesh (vs. Honda MTF), plus it wears out faster.

I think the droning sound you are referring to is caused by the clutch. If it happens during decel mostly in 3rd and 4th around 3000-4000 RPMs, then the noise is the clutch. It is normal. If it gets too bad the only way to fix is to replace the clutch.

Hope this helps.

 

I'll pick up some Honda MTF this weekend, and "tap" the sensor tomorrow and see if that fixes it. If it doesn't, I'll have the dealer look into it.

Mucho thanks!!!

 

Welcome to s2ki.com, Toby, and congrats on your S.

Be sure to check the oil constantly (every fill up). Our early year S2000 engines had an appetite for oil.

 

^My shifter is notchy only when its cold too; once it heats up its fine.

 

^not sure what you mean by lumpy?!?