Even perfection has a statute of limitations.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ralper
[B]

Strike

I am a paid member of both sites.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Strike
[B]

The point is moot now.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Elistan

 

This reminds me so much of the rear glass debate. Everyone had a fit about it until it came out. Honda made improvements in 2002 and mid 2002 (the oil starving banjo bolts). Many were prompted by enthusiats complaints. Honda makes money off of econo cars, not the S2000. The S2000 is an image/motorsports showcase car, just like the NSX.

Lets look at the S2000's history alone. They fixed at first minor interior complaints. It did not affect performance.

They then started on the engine. In mid 2002 they installed the two hole oil banjo bolts to help stop engine failures. It also increased the performance of the car.

Now if they follow the same path, they will probably continue the more arduous and expensive route of fixing shortcomings in the engine and drivetrain. Making the engine a stroker or slightly increasing the bore would not add weight. For example, the Subaru EJ20T and EJ25T weigh nearly the same. They use the same size block as well. Just a different bore and stroke. GM's 305 (5.0L) pushrod V8 smallblock is the exact same block as the 350 (5.7L). The 305 just has a smaller bore. Pistons are not heavy, and .2 liters is nothing that would warrant dropping redline to 8 or 8.5k. The IVTEC system should save weight and will solve the low end torque complaints. It is nice to have a little more low end. I doubt the redline would change.

I'd also like to see Honda tackle the rear diff which they probably will do. They use the same diff as the older Miatas and Mazda has upgraded the Miata to the stronger RX8 diff. Honda will probably follow suit.

IMHO, Honda is making small changes that will enable enthusiats that still want a pure sportscar to rekindle their love for what we fell in love with, a non drive by wire, no ACD, traction control, or any other electronic trickery pure bread sports car.

I would think Honda would hype a major change like weight, power, an auto available, etc so people will start buying the car. Aren't they still limitting sales to 5000 US units per year? Since they are not hyping it, its probably just minor improvements. S2000's are still selling. The dealers are still allotted only a few S2000's. Its just that they are selling at MSRP or lower now. Where other car companies are giving huge rebates and incentives, there is none for the S2000. Honda is still selling the S2000. There is just not a waiting list anymore. The dealers around here usually sell them within 1-2 weeks after taking delivery. I see many 350Z's just sitting around at dealer lots. IMHO, the S2000 is in competion only with itself.

And also remember that the S2000 has to be faster than the RSX Type S. You can suck 200-205 WHP out of the 2 liter I-VTEC with minimal modifications. Look for Honda to bump the S2xxx up in power and drivetrain strength while reducing weight so they can bring over Acura's flagship FWD'er the Integra (RSX) Type R without impacting the S2000 following.

I bought an S2000 over a Track 350Z. Honda records data like this. I've had 3 surveys sent to me. Just my $0.02.

 

One more thing. Honda would be hyping the car already if "mass appeal" changes were being made (like offering an auto) so people would suck up the remaining 2003 models. Honda is keeping quiet just like the rear glass window deal so people will still buy the 2003 models. There will still be a following for the original F20C engine without I-VTEC anyway, just like there is following for the H22A. What engine does Steph P still run? H22A... Honda does know this stuff...