younglegit

Hey guys, Mike here. Had a questions for all of you experienced s2000 owners/techs. I just purchased a 2001 Honda s2000 with 79,000 miles. I got a great deal on the car because the motor has a knock. Paid for an ASE "certified mechanic" come over when i first bought it to diagnose what the "knock" was. After starting the motor and hearing it, he stated that it sounded like a bad main bearing and possibly a ground cam lobe. Now i'm a little mechanical but by no means a tech. After a little research in my local community (Portland Oregon) i have found that the first generation ap1 motors are less than reliable? I was told that these ap1 motors should not be rebuilt because of the finish on the cylinder walls? I really want to completely remodel this s2k, but don't know which route to go? Any help or guidence would be awesome! If you were in my shoes, would you replace with a second gen ap2 motor or rebuild the ap1? I don't need tons of power, this is my second s2k and they are monsters at oem standards. This one came with an aluminum radiator, headers, k&n intake, fuel management?, and cat back 5zigen duals. Any information would be great! thanks fellow s2k enthusiasts!

NNY S2k

You will probably get more responses in this forum:
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/forum/1-s2000-talk/
Levi

OemEF

All s2000 engines are strong and reliable whether it be an f20c(ap1) or f22c(ap2). I don't see an issue with rebuilding, as long as you do it correctly. If the issues your mechanic diagnosed are correct, you will need to get a crankshaft with the factory journal sizes (hasn't been ground or re-manufactured), new bearings, possibly piston rings depending upon if shards of metal from the spun bearing got into the cylinder(s), you will also want to get the cylinder walls honed. If you don't have the time, It would probably be easier to find a running f20c and just swap it in. <--- This is what I'd do, personally because it is so tough to source a fresh crankshaft for most hondas. Not to mention that they are god-awful expensive.

younglegit

I would prefer to find a fresh motor as well. But if it is in my bottom end and head is good, i'd also like to see what it is to rebuild. I know now that you can just hone and stick new pistons in, you've got to resleeve as well. I'd prefer to keep the stock block in the car but all depends on pricing of course. Thanks alot for the reply!

newyawkballa

Get a used F22c Ap2 engine!!