Hey guys, whats up! I'm a noob who lurked here every so often, just checking up on common problems for S2000's. I recently (today) sold my 1997 Camaro SS - the gas prices were killing me. I'm looking at purchasing one of few cars - a S2000, a 350z, G35, Miata, or Solstice. < see a pattern? they're all small displacement cars >_<.

I think I've got my heart set on a S2000 since they seem to be the best of the group of cars.

Just got a few questions to ask:

I was told the S2k trannies are known for getting fkd up if you drive it hard - anyone had this happen to me or is it all ? I figure Honda should have fixed it in at least a year or so? (This is aprt of the reason why I'm going import from a domestic - less power (but lighter = less broken parts = less worries ).

Also was told the AP1's have an oiling problem? that might scratch up the cylinder walls - and was advised to get a leakdown test before buying one.

Any of these things true? I'd prefer a AP2, but the prices for an AP2 are about 6K on top of an AP1 right now! I'm not sure I can justify spending that much more for 0.2L increase...but if reliability will increase significantly, I'll seirously consider it.


Thanks for the info guys -

-Oahu, Ike.



ps. I'm still sad about selling my SS...but if its to get a s2000 i think i can handle it.


My license plate shall read SS2K!

 

fked up trannies? oiling problems? haha dont bet on it Ive NEVER heard of those problems before EVER, and S2Ki will vouch for the ridiculous durability of this car.

As for the AP1 vs AP2 debate, DONT START! haha neither is more "reliable" really, the AP2's are simply newer cars...

All in all you will be very satisfied with an S, coming from a Camaro is quite a change lol but you'll be happy!

 

^Thanks man, thats what I was thinking...Since Honda/S2k is known for its reliability. I was just worried about the whole rev limit being higher for the AP1...I'd prefer it higher if I'm driving it, but idk if I'd trust someone elses shifting, lol.

I know the difference will be huge, but I figure I'll enjoy it just an S2k just as much, if not more- than the camaro.

plus, chicks dig S2's they hate on my camaro .


Now its just the waiting game...looking for a well taken care of low mileage AP1/AP2....(prolly AP1..).

 

Can't go wrong either way.

 

Sounds like you got some 1/2 truths (not even) mixed in with a lot of
Lubrication was an early problem on the F20C engines as you can see discussed here. https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...0&#entry1189708
MY<'03 tended to have higher oil consumption, but that was considered normal (search: much discussion on that).
If anything, the diffs are the weak link in the drivetrain (search: again, much discussion). It is advised to have a leak down/compression check done (not because of cylinder wall scratching) before purchasing, in case the previous owner(s) have mechanically over-revved the engine.
Get out and do some test drives... you will be pleased with the overall performance and reliability of the car! Best wishes on the hunt.

 

alrighty! Thanks for the heads up man. I was looking for those info...but the 'read this potential owners' confused the livin shit out of me...so I figured I'd post here instead. I'm going to test drive my friends car, maybe...When I have the $ saved up to buy the S2 anyways- so I'll find out how different it drives then, I guess. I'm sure it'll surpass my expectations....I have yet to read a (real) owner complaining about the lack of torque!

 

[QUOTE=ikeyballz,Jul 19 2008, 06:07 PM] I was told the S2k trannies are known for getting fkd up if you drive it hard - anyone had this happen to me or is it all

 

^ What are some of the symptoms that a trans has been abused? Is there any noise/rough clutch engagment/gears popping out/etc?

I do prefer the ap2 just because since the redline is lowered, people wont be able to be as stupid on it.

What do you guys think about a salvage titled 05 S2k, for about 13K$? its got less than 25K miles on it... MIGHT be bondoed to hell, but I'm not sure.

For all you S2 owners, I'm just curious, what RPM do you shift at while loafing about, and what RPM do you usually cruise at?

I'm just asking because I saw the gear calculator, and at 60mph, in 6th gear, the car is spinning 3K+rpm. I'm used to my 50mph, 1.5K, and 60mph 2K rpm SS...and shifting at 1.5 to 2K...

 

Dont get the salvage car.
IMO, gas mileage isn't the reason to get an S2K, i only get 18-20mpg normal driving mixed. about 225miles to a tank. My S4 (which has a v8) gets that and more. So at $50 a fill, not the most economical car to drive.
I couldn't tell you specifically what rpm i shift at while casually driving, but if i were to guess, maybe 4500, before vtec.
If i remember correctly, 77mph is just about to cross into 5000rpm, and its getting loud at that point.
Just get the car checkout b4 you buy it, have them drain the trans and diff and make sure that fluid isn't full of nasty metal bits. If you dont feel any problems while shifting between the gears, and dont hear any noises coming from the rear your most likely ok.
you can always have the oils analyzed by Blackstone Labs if you really had a motivated seller willing to give you that kind of time.

 

[QUOTE=ikeyballz,Jul 26 2008, 05:25 PM] I do prefer the ap2 just because since the redline is lowered, people wont be able to be as stupid on it.