also double check the oil... I notice a bit of a power difference between completely ful; and halfway through the "x's"

 

It sounds like you're hitting the fuel cut, which is part of how the rev limiter works. A while back I posted in the engine management forum about this topic -

ECU Forum: Stock Rev Limiter

Running more or less fuel will not help, unfortunately.

Having driven a handful of AP1s and AP2s, they're just different beasts. When AP2 owners drive my car, they all respond the same way, "Wow! The AP1 is underpowered compared to the AP2". I think a lot of this has to do with the gearing. I constantly find that AP2 owners drive my car differently...like it's an AP2 - lower RPM launches, shifting well before the limiter, and no downshifting in slow turns. All of those driving characteristics make my car feel immensely slower than it really is.

Think of the AP1 like a 2-stroke dirt bike and the AP2 like a 4-stroke dirt bike. The AP1 really punishes you if you don't keep the revs up.

 

If it makes you feel any better, the AP2 does this too. For some reason the more you race it the more it does it - mine didn't do it at first but by the end of the 1st season it did it pretty much every time I hit the limiter.

You can fix it with Hondata on the AP2, I would assume you can fix the AP1 too now that tuning is allowed.

 

I wrote this while on a plane, so sorry if redundant in any way. Did not feel like re-writing.

AP1 vs AP2 will always be course dependent. You are more likely to be frustrated with an AP1 at local events where there can be courses with low average speeds. In these cases it's clear that an AP2 has the advantage, just put it in second and leave it there. An AP1 can still get the job done in most cases, but you will need to raise your willingness to become a frequent 1st gear down shifter. Then once in first you will need to learn to carefully modulate power so you don't upset the car (grip). It's truly a labour of love once into this mode. I see drivers that don't have the dedication to make it work and they get frustrated.

The two modes of rev limiting are there for both AP1 and AP2, it's just a matter of when you encounter it. I would run a couple bars above half tank rather then full tank. You are not getting fuel starvation due to fuel level.

Hopefully at the Tour you will get to appreciate what the AP1 has to offer.

Practicing heel toe down shifting until it becomes a subconscious activity is a good thing for both AP1 and AP2, but it is essential for the AP1.

Good luck! Let us know how the tour goes.

 

Oh, remember, the AP1 has a faster steering rack than an AP2 except for a CR.

 

Call me crazy. I decided lowering my debt was not as important as keeping my AP2. Off went the prep items from the AP1 and on they went to the AP2. It took me 4.5 hours to replace the shocks, sway bars, & header/exhaust.

So now I have a '01 S2000 w/112k for sale.

Thanks everyone for the input. I just couldn't stay AP1.

 

funny funny... see you this weekend man! so your gonna be in a white ap2?

 

If I cared more about my local events, I would join you in the AP2 world. If I went that direction, I would be going for it all and get a CR.

For this weekend, I will do my best to make you wish you kept an AP1. Oh.. are you going to the test and tune on Friday?

See ya soon!

-D

 

Dave I am sure you will make me wish I drove the AP1! You and probably about 12 other people. I will be at the test & tune. I am actually signed up for the EVO Advantage that morning.

My normal co-driver has bailed to ESP to help a local member win some Hoosiers. I am looking for a co-driver.

 

Bah... I was just kiddin'. Blytheville was a fluke... almost the perfect course for me. I expect Nashville will have waaaay different results.

I'm planning on showing up for the Test and Tune, but it is a huge bang for the buck for the Evo Challenge. If I could get there in time, it would make sense to do that.

See ya then.

-Dave