cracknut

Ok track whores, it's time to sell the previous track car and starting building an S2k for track use. I've been lurking here on the forums since late last year and picked up a bunch of specific knowledge. This car will be getting a TC Design 8pt NASA/SCCA compliant rollcage shortly after I buy it.

However, there's one burning question about which I can't make up my mind. What year donor car to start with? I know about most of the important changes below:
01 -> 02 : leaner tuning in high rpm = 5-10 more whp; slight damper/spring/bar changes to reduce oversteer
03 -> 04 : AP1 -> AP2 including the big ones: engine (5-10 more whp and tq) and rear subframe
05 -> 06 : Hondata tunable ECU, further spring/damper/bar changes

Not interested in later cars. How important is Hondata tunable ECU thing? My plan for the engine is simplicity and reliability. No FI, no $1000 intake for 2 peaky whp. Single exit exhaust to save weight and probably a HFC. Could I put an 02 ECU in an 01/00 car?

I have a big garage but I don't have enough time to buy a roller and install everything myself. I've been looking for good condition higher mileage cars in the $10k price range. I'm not opposed to a salvage in theory but I don't want to get burned by a bent frame or a ruined motor.

Currently I've been driving an '02 Nurburgring blue but right now I'm looking for a silver car (more spares available).

P.S. if anyone wants a Mitsu Evo RS track car with minimal engine mods and 16k miles pm me...

Momentum

Maybe we could work out a trade, I have an 01 silver S2000. If your using it for track use its a good start I've taken out the convertible top motors (they're annoying anyway). I've also taken out just about everything emissions related and installed a spoon test pipe and exhaust (single). The car has 85k on it but runs great and has good compression. I have another track S2000 so this one just see's daily driver duty but I take good care of it.

Only problems are a pretty messed up front bumper (paint only plastic is 100% intact), and some minor wear on the driver seat (not even close to rubbing through)

Momentum

whoops just noticed your in CA and I'm in NC... might not work out so well unless you'll trade on pictures lol.

crash

where you live?
Also what do you plan on racing it in class wise.
or is it just for track.

cracknut

I live in NorCal. When the car's done it will probably first see action with CFRA (more laid back wheel2wheel than NASA or SCCA), track days, and NASA time trials.

I'm very interested in the S2k challenge series but have yet to read the rules. At some point I might compete in PT with NASA.

Antonov

FIXED!

If you're in Norcal, I would strongly consider ITE

Voodoo_S2K

Why not prep your car for Honda Challenge H1 class?

dan_uk

As far as Nasa TT/PT goes I am pretty sure you can update/backdate between 00-01 and 02-03 Ap1 parts.
Its not hard to put an 02-03 ecu in and you can change suspension parts between them if you realy want but you'll probably end up replacing the lot eventually anyways.
The 06+ remap would be nice but it costs about the same a used AEM Ecu which is only 3points.

Also worth bearing in mind - my 03 with a VAFC = 0 points made a shedload more HP and TQ and this is just with a testpipe, no $1000 header.
I think the difference between 00-01 is midrange.. 02-03 still runs realy rich up top: