t777jb

Do I need to get 4 jack stands or will 2 do it?
The transmission isn't the smoothest so I will get to changing that fluid and maybe look into a clutch adjustment at some point. It does shift much better when you get up into vtec range. A failed retainer and it's potentially catastrophic results are the only thing really making me nervous. The car seems pretty solid overall so I think I can deal with anything else that comes up...are those famous last words? I bought a 15 GTI last year so the S is just for fun. Both are 2.0 liter sporty cars, but they could not be more different.
I sold a Harley Electra Glide to buy the S - that tells you how old I am. I was afraid I would drop it on myself and break my leg. I had a neighbor that actually did that. The S feels way more motorcycle than the Harley did anyway.
I grew up in Dublin, but my wife grew up in Grove City, last name was Halley.

t777jb

I saw this one at Wal Mart last night: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Torin-Jack...-Jack/14560042
Too junky?

Mocky

I would get 4. Not just because the car is more balanced but also because it'll drain fluid better. Easier to get everything done while you are under the car as well. Easy to pop up the car on all 4, then start at the front (oil), then go back, tranny, finish with the diff.

Mocky

It looks like it's low enough to get to the jack points but without seeing it in person or trying, I wouldn't know for sure. At the end of the day, it just has to lift the car up so you can get to the wheels or get the jackstands underneath it so I don't know if there is much investment needed in it. Should be ok.

Chuck S

Getting even a "low" profile jack under the S2000 is problematical. I need to drive up on some scrap boards custom lifters to get a jack under mine.



Fluid changes are best and easier with four (4) jackstands as the transmission and differential levels are correct when oil comes out the fill hole and if the car ain't level the reading is deceptive. Probably minor but I like mine full. Shop manual calls for new crush washers. Guy at the Honda parts counter may just hand them to you to avoid the paperwork. Consensus is to use the OEM filter rather than the Lube Stop or Walmart filter that's probably on the car.

Oil is cheap. This is what goes in my transmission and differential. Cheap enough for frequent changes.



Maintenance schedule calls for the differential oil to be changed every 30,000 miles (15,000 miles in "severe service"); gearbox schedule is 120,000 miles (60,000 miles in "severe service"). The differential oil change is clearly more important. Gearbox seems to shift smoother with more frequent changes. Some claim the GM gearbox oil is smoother. Only a couple of quarts to try. You need some little hand pumps for the fluid changes. Get two, they're $7 on line. Keep them in separate double zip lock bags for the next change.

Engine coolant is good for 120,000 miles or 10 years then every 60,000 miles or 5 years regardless of service. Brake fluid is every 3 years regardless of service (brake fluid absorbs moisture). Do both of these now and the next time you need to bother is 2019. I'll bet 99% of owners have ignored the brake fluid change and the few of us with over 10 years or 120,000 miles on our cars are probably still running the same coolant that came from the factory. (Both mine are due next year.) But it seems we all change our lubricants frequently.

-- Chuck

splice247

Im located in Springfield and would be more than happy to help you inspect your retainers and change some fluids and such. Just for the price of food Available pretty much any weekend Just want to help s2000 owners and make some new friends. Been working on Honda's for the past 4-5yrs, got an ap1 last January pretty stock. Dropped the engine over winter just to learn about the car. PS I also work for Honda in marysville and get a great discount on OEM parts and fluids. As far as the diff fluid I think they had some "Acura" gear oil that was close to what factory called for. It was $15qt but you only need one.

t777jb

Thanks again for all the advice. I have acquired most the tools and a jack and 4 stands. I'm going to try to find time to change the fluids this weekend.
I got mobil 1 75w-90LS for the differential. Is this what you guys are using? I'm assuming LS stands for limited slip which technically we don't have.
I think I mentioned above that the Honda dealer put a new soft top on the car and I'm not sure how well they did with the install. I took a couple pics of the soft top corners this morning. It seems they should be tucked down tighter, but maybe this is correct. Any opinions on it?
[attachment=92957:20160330_072740_resized.jpg]

[attachment=92958:20160330_072806_resized.jpg]

JHo

Yup, that is what we use.




And we do have a limited slip. But it is a Torsen limited slip which does not use clutches so no need for the extra additives.

splice247

those corners should be completely flat with no seems, that is unacceptable quality from a dealer especially for what they charge

TTMartin

Mocky what was the mechanic's name, and do you know if he is still there?