Yep. If I had not done a valve adjustment at 40K miles, they would have burned by 60K. That is much sooner than the Honda recommended adjustment interval. A moderator here, well known mechanic and authority on S2000s is Billman. Here is a thread on just that subject by him:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-un...2A%2A-1060900/

 

At no point has a 2006+ been brought up as an option!?

 

Photos help- it looks really good overall- I like extensive underbody shots. One note- that brake fluid couldn't any darker- I'd put money down that the clutch fluid looks about the same- and by extension, I'd bet if you look up under the dash at the clutch rod, you'll find quite a bit of gray sludge- not uncommon.
darcy

 

well, I got burned on my 2006 deal. seems as though the seller didn't want to rely on the pre-purchase inspection, so I most likely dodged a bullet there. however, I did stumble across a pristine 2004 . based on what was mentioned in the valves link above, is it true that the 2004-2005 models do not have the same exhaust valve issues that the 2006-2009 have?

 

Valve adjustment (or at least a check) is a good idea for any S2000. What Billman reported a few years ago is his experience that the 2006 and later cars are much more likely to have tight valves from the factory which prompted his WARNING. Earlier cars are less likely but not exempt. When I checked my 2006 a couple were near the "tight" range and were adjusted. Two different AP1 engines we checked had a couple valves tighter than spec. I don't think they'd been adjusted since leaving the factory 20 years ago. Good Saturday morning project with another S2000 owner as you can check each other's work -- a bonding experience.

If you're going to the trouble to check them I'd personally set them to max tolerances 'cuz your back will tell you it doesn't want to do this again soon. Car on jack stands will temper but not eliminate the back pain from bending over the engine. Neither me nor my back are looking forward to doing mine again this spring but we both know we should do it.

-- Chuck