These two you tube videos explain why I prefer ap1 --

https://www.youtube....h?v=r1HVNmxearQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1jb2knpwc4

 

Got the executive summary? No time for 30 minutes of some guy driving around. Torque is not an issue with the latest cars. The AP2 engine was added to overcome the lack of torque in the AP1 engine. My Gernby FlashPro tuned 2006 accelerates so fast (due the power band and 3600rpm VTEC) I was constantly hitting the rev limiter. Added a red line alarm. Cruising at 4200 rpm and 80mph on the low power cam VTEC is just under my right foot. No need to downshift one (or two) gears.

It's nice to have choices! In 2002 no one could buy a 2006+ AP2 and tune it to 221bhp at the rear wheels and much more mid range torque. We have the full spectrum available to us now.

My buddy's supercharger is taking forever and he's also restoring his suspension to stock so we've not compared the cars recently. He's driven my tuned car and termed it a "beast." (The Dodge Wildcat guys know differently.)

-- Chuck

 

I have always preferred the ap1. I like the look of the ap2, but prefer the ap1 in every other way. That said, I would buy a nice ap2 in a heartbeat. Why? Simply because what I'm looking for can be found in both. Fun! Something my 4runner and Sienna are not.

Now, money is an issue. I don't want to spend a lot. And, ap2s are harder to find for less money. Or, they have way to many miles on them.

 

The videos say it better than I can. But - torque is not a problem - ap1 has plenty of torque, ap2 added small additional torque but sacrificed 9000 which was not a good trade off, ap1 handling is sharper and livelier which is a good thing, not a bad thing and ap2 softened it unnecessarily. Gear shift points on ap1 are superior and enable driver to keep car in correct high rev area easier, style changes are fine but subjective. Basically, ap2 softened things and it was not necessary to do so. Ap1 was great as is. Perceived issues that were changed were actually positive things for street driving by responsible drivers looking for a lively and fun car. Also, ap1 can be had for less money. There is more in those videos - something about mechanical problems in 06 and 08 that I can't now remember and seemed irrelevant to me for my street use. My view is these differences are small and like the OP I would not hesitate to buy an Ap2 if I found a good one at a good price. But, I would prefer to find a good ap1. We might be in the area of hair splitting. All agree these cars (ap1 and ap2) are terrific.Some see things differently, and prefer the ap2.

 

I certainly didn't want this to become a ap1 v ap2 discussion, which I'm sure has happened more times than not. I'd happily buy either; however, I would prefer an ap1. I had already watched both those vids. The first one by ZentRose is a great video comparing the two. There are plenty more. I'm still in the hunt.

 

I'm in northern New England and there obviously are some s2ks on the market around here if that is of any interest and if I can assist in any way let me know.

 

Thank you for offering

 

So I'm looking at a 02 NFR. The car isn't close, so I can't go see it for myself. However, I do have family close and my Uncle will hopefully get the chance to see it on Monday or Tuesday. But, I have a concern. I already searched on the forum and didn't get any results. Here's the issue, the front and rear bumpers are darker than the rest of the body. No, it hasn't been painted, the paint behind the license plate is the same red as the body. So, the bumpers darkened; is this a known issue with NFR? AP1s in general? Or, is this unusual?

Thanks.

I'll try and post a pic....

Well, I can't post a pic. Sometimes I really hate iPads. If someone wants to see a pic I can email it.

 

Most manufacturers use a different paint on the flexible bumpers that will allow the bumper to flex without cracking the finish. There are flex agents in the mixture and most likely mixed in a different part of the plant, the color is close but never 100% accurate. Just have a look at any car that has original paint with urethane bumpers.

Good luck in your search.

 

With NFR it's more likely that the body paint faded. I've never seen NFR bumpers get darker. I'd wait for a car that hasn't seen a lot of sun, fresher rubber/leather/plastic/carpet/paint.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy an 00-01. Great cars, arguably more fun to drive than an AP2. Oversteer is hugely over stated. Just use fresh high performance oem size tires and get a good alignment. I like to run a softer oem rear sway bar from an AP2, $50 and easy to install. The plastic rear window is only a problem when it gets very cold outside. You should be top down 99% of the time anyway.