At 17,000 miles there really should be no need to worry about compression/leak down/or valve adjustments (this is at 70k intervals btw for AP2s). Unless there is oil consumption, I think it's just based on feeling rather than proven data.

 

No difference, there is a youtube video on this and both cars and neck and neck.

 

OP probably misses the VTEC kick of an AP1. Since the AP2 has around 50 hp more before VTEC, there is less kick, plus with the lower redline, it can seem like less power. OP - the 02 engine is built with a bigger power difference between VTEC phases - by the time the 06 S came out, Honda had moved more power down low so it was accessible sooner.

Short story is Honda improved the S a little bit about every two years, so an 02 is a bit faster than an 00, an 04 is faster than an 02, etc...

 

The AP1 feels fast because it is faster...

 

Get a Flashpro and testpipe/high-flow cat. Increase total vtec range by over 100%. Profit.

 

driver mod

 

There are really no performance differences. There are driving feel differences. If you daily the s the ap2 maybe the right choice for you if your really picky. I daily a ap1 and i dont mind. I'm also running 12k coils and i dont mind the stiffness. But a ap1 or a ap2 because you chose it. I have seen many ap1's beat ap2's and many ap2's beat ap1's. The biggest factor is the driver because the cars are so even. Test drive both and see which one you like best. I went with a ap1 because i drove it and knew it was for me. Not because i read on the internet that it is better than a ap2, not saying it is. Ap1 and ap2's have their ups and their downs. Just drive what you want and choose. The rawness of the ap1 sold me, i dont care if a ap2 is faster because my ap1 is funner to drive for me. Thats a true sports car to me, its not how fast it goes but how much fun it gives me.

 

Technical aspects aside, one of the main things I noticed driving an AP1 (from my AP2) was the more distinct transition at VTEC in the AP1. It felt like there was more 'power' in the AP1 because the kick/transition in the AP1 is more noticeable.

 

best ap2 mod ever

ur car is capable of running a flashpro, take advantage of that, you'll never want to go back!

 

yep. test pipe and tune