I was just wondering about S/C'ing my s2000 and I was curious what you owners thought about it. I read the article several years back in motor trend about comptech's s2k but I was looking for more info. Fire away guys...come on, a free chance to brag about your car...!

 

Moving to the F.I. forum.

 

I think this is a good question, especially for the ap2 owners. I use to own a ap1, and I loved it, but I know the gears make you do some more rowing with the newer s2k. What were your first drives like. After installation, did you say, damn, that is scary, or, gee was all of the money for FI worth it?

I just had to the chance to drive a vortech 2005 Gt mustang. I was thinking the torque would push me hard into the seat. After taking it on a very spirited drive, I realized that it was kinda similar to the S2k. You really had to get the revs up above 4 and 5 grand to get the charger to pull. I think the centrifugal power is noticed when you do higher speed roll ons as opposed to going from a standstill. Start out in third in VTEC or high in the RPM's, and that is when these cars can luanch to the moon. Don't get me wrong, it was fast (12.5 qtr mile/111 trap), but now I know why I drive an s2k

I am guessing that a vortech ap2 would have me smiling more than the vortech mustang I drove.

Oh yeah, the sound of the charger in the mustang was just bad ass. It was saying, get the hell out of my way.

 

I have an AP2 and have the Comptech SC with AC for 2 weeks now.

1. Under normal driving conditions the car responds pretty much the same with the exception of more throttle response which is good for daily driving and when my wife drives it.

2. Once you install the pulley it will change the "feel" of the car. You will have a slight more vibration through the cabin on your pedals and on the stick shift. You will literally feel it.

3. SC whine is noticable but not overbearing. If you have a vented hood like mine you will hear it a little more. Again....not overbearing and most people who are FI or know about FI immediately recognize the sound of a SC S....

4. The kit for Comptech (I can't speak for Vortech) is very well put together. I was impressed with the packaging and the thoroughness of the kit when I received it. Upgrades have been made to the bypass valve, the intake elbow, intake box and various fasteners.

5. Instructions for the installation on a scale of 1-10 are about an 8. Me a friend installed it in about 8 hours.

6. The AP2 kit comes with a smaller pulley than the AP1. This creates the boost at a lower RPM (8300 vice 9000).

7. When you floor it, you will feel boost starting around 3500-4000 rpm and it will continue to rapidly pull until VTEC at which point it will pin you to the seat. The pull will not fall off unless you release the throttle.

8. I've given 5 different people rides in my car (4 of which are S owners - AP1) and each one has been very impressed with the setup.

Don't let me water it down.....it's FAST! VERY FAST! and it's nice to have that power at your beck and call.

I'm going to be getting a shift light so I don't have to watch the tach anymore...

So for a $5k investment the answer is YES it's worth it to me. If I had the option to do it again....I wouldn't hesitate.

My car is far from a "sleeper" but most people don't anticipate an s2000 to have a front mount aftercooler and a BOV as I drive by.....

The only CONS that I can think of are maybe the extra attention you have to give to the clutch.... the extra noises if your into peace and quiet and the more frequent check/change of fluids. But I don't really consider those CONS...

 

My biggest concern/curiosity with centrifugal SCs has always been the on/off throttle lag. Since it's not a constant boost type of charger (twin-screw or roots), it always loses boost when throttle is lifted and has to regain it back once throttle is re-applied. I've only driven twin-screw and roots charged cars (love those!...so much low-end tq!). And I've driven turbo'd cars where you can feel the on/off throttle lag. It's only in the milliseconds, but it can be felt and is one of those driving-feel factors that I don't like about turbos. Even if I took a ride in a CTSC-S or Vortech-S, I wouldn't feel the on/off throttle lag since I don't know when the throttle's actually being applied. I've toyed w/ the idea of SC'ing (if I eventually have the money), but always wondered about how that on/off throttle lag felt.
SIIK - can you describe how the on/off throttle lag feels? I know the lag isn't as dramatic as driving an auto tranny car where you mash the gas and nothing happens, then it launches forward...but I'm imaging something similar, but just less intensity. You really gotta come to the delay valve thing now!...I gotta check out your car!

 

The blower is belt driven and is constantly producing air/boost. there is no throttle delay with this setup. NONE.. You mash it.... above 4500 rpm you better hold on and keep both hands on the wheel.

It will yank HARD and if you don't have equal air pressure in your rear tires you will step squat the rear a little.... ask me how I know...

At freeway speed in 4th gear if you stab your throttle you will literally lunge forward. The power is pretty significant... Still in 4th gear if you mash it you will leave people going 75mph very quick... it's impressive. I'm telling you.......this setup pulls and pulls and pulls till you shift...

I'm still a strong hopeful for your tech day....but I was actually considering taking my Civic because of the distance... hmmmm.....

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=293207

 

what kind of pulley are you talking about?

 

stock

 

SIIK: from what I've read on the various SC designs, roots and twin-screws are the only 2 that are positive displacement type chargers and are thus on boost during shifts and also provide near peak boost at very low rpms (all the cars I've driven w/ these feel great, including a 300hp 1700lb Elise!). Even tho a centrifugal is belt driven, I've read there's a throttle lag. Most ppl w/ centrifugal SCs don't seem to mind, but then again, most ppl w/ turbos don't think there's lag either (every turbo I've driven had more lag than I'd prefer for daily use, and throttle lag). I'd love to be able to take a look at your car if you decide to bring it. I know it's kind of a long way for you. If someone else had a place in OC or Torrance area, that'd be more midway for you and I wouldn't mind going there, but thus far, no one else has offered any other options.
hmm...sell my kidney for a CTSC?...hmm...