So I owned an '02 S2k and completely love it, and was a common visitor to this site - but it ended up being too impractical as I was single and not swimming in enough cash to buy a second car. So I took a vacation from the fun in my current G35, which I do love, but it just doesn't give you the white knuckles like 9000 RPM does. Since I sold the Honda, I've since gotten married, and she has brought practicality along with her in an SUV, so I am getting ready to make a comeback to the Honda.

One thing I had always wanted was a little more pick-up in the lower end of the rev range, which brings me here to the FI forum. Ever since I started thinking about coming back to the S, I have wanted to put some boost into the equation. I know I might get hammered for this general quesiton, so I have been browsing the forums for discussions about s/c's and t/c's for them, but it's all over the place, and I'm still sifting through. So as I continue to go through all of it, I thought I'd at least ask and see if there were some general comments someone could give.

I'll be the first to admit that although I know generally what makes engines turn, I don't turn wrenches myself, other than the typical oil change. So I'd be looking for something as low maintenance / dependable as possible on my end anyway, in the form of either a supercharger or turbocharger... I'd be having the install done professionally. In addition, which motor (2.0 or 2.2) is generally better to strap a charger onto, or does it depend?

I appreciate any comments you guys have... looking forward to being back behind the weel of a rocketship shortly.

 

Well...I've been following S2Ks for years now and finally have a garage to keep one properly, so I am about to buy a new 2007 (or possibly a used 2006) in the next few months and have been very interested in getting some more low end power out of the engine myself. Like you, I know what makes an engine run and I also have done basic car repair and maintenance work on cars before, but I honestly don't have the time to "turn the wrenches" myself due to job and other factors.

I've been reading the forums over the last few months and have come to the following FI conclusions for myself..maybe this will help you out, maybe not. But this is where I currently am at in regards to getting some more FI power to my future S2K...

Superchargers - The main brands I've noticed on these boards are Vortech and Comptech. Seems to me that Vortech may have a bit more power. However Comptech, based on postings that I recall, MAY be a touch more reliable. It seems as though S/Cs overall require less maintenance/tuning than turbos. And even though they may make a bit less power, Comptech S/Cs can be installed by authorized dealers (Honda + others?) and will not void the S2K's warranty.. I was almost set to get a Comptech until I noticed that most people who have S/Cs don't get appreciably better performance down low - the S/C helps out mostly in the high RPMs. And some of the 1/4 mile times are not spectacularly better for a $6K investment.

That conclusion let me to turbos. Clearly one of the most favored brands around here is Inline Pro. It seems turbos are clearly the best bang for the buck as you can great amounts of power at a much lower cost, or a lot more power for the same cost. If I lived anywhere near VA, I'd install an Inline Pro turbo in a heartbeat. I've read nothing but good things about them. However one of the main drawbacks about turbos, IMHO, is that the require a fair amount of upkeep/tuning to keep them running properly. Again, if I had the mechanical inclination and the time, a turbo with ILP would be my first choice without doubt. However, I just don't have that time, those skills and the money needed to keep a turbo tuned - that is a major turnoff for turbos to me. I may have some misconceptions here, so if I do, please let me know.

So at this point, I'll still be getting a S2K, but just not doing any FI to it initially. I may instead put in Rick's 4.56 gear set and upgrade the clutch and the diff instead for a lower cost performance upgrade and in preparation for FI later on.

I am however keeping my eye on the Jackson Racing supercharger being developed here - https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=434996 . If their S/C kit turns out as it sounds in the thread, I would definitely consider it as it sounds like it'll be able to get more down low and overall power than the Comptech S/C kit. Only negative being lack of warranty and the newness of the kit, though Jackson Racing obviously has a good rep.

Once again, these are my thoughts as a soon-to-be owner interested in FI. Please let me know of anything that I may have posted wrong above. Other insights appreciated as well. Thanks and love the site!

 

My advise it doesnt matter if you have a shop do everything, you still have to educate yourself on the car with a turbo and how to fix small issues, believe me with a turbo something will happened. Most obvious is get it tune right the first time, small issue you can fix, you can ask question here and if you have the right tool and advise anything possible.

I saw couple of s2000 going for a supercharger, and brake fluid was shot, and neclect was evidence on the car. If you are this kind of owner dont bother, with turbo or supercharge you have to know your car bottom line, keep a check list whats potential problems and be aware.

 

Any additional feedback would be great - thanks!

 

if you want extra low end T/C is the route you need to take.S/C are like a stock S until Vtec/Boost kicks in at 6k rpm.I'd suggest finding someone in your area with a S/C and T/C buy them dinner and ask for a ride to determine which you like better.someone on this board ran his comptech S/C for over 100k miles.no high milage T/C yet.




peace