I've decided on purchasing an S2000 recently and have been wondering which one, AP1 or AP2, should I buy. I have searched around and read many topics on this, but the S2000 will be my daily driver. My main problem is would an AP1 be safe to drive with snow tires, specifically Blizzaks, in winter with a turbo kit? I believe the 06+ come with VSA, while the earlier models do not. Anyway, I've ruled out purchasing a beater to drive because I would rather put that money towards the S2000. I am a careful driver and get into "granny" mode when winter begins, but you never know what will happen.

Also, I'm thinking of purchasing a high mileage AP1 because we'll be replacing the internals and clutch to handle the extra power from the turbo kit. I'm definitely thinking about letting a shop or a Honda dealership do a PPI to see if there are any problems with the car. I have yet to test drive an S2000 and will be attempt to do so in the near future, but I'm curious to know how the shifting in the car is? I have heard from friends that shifting is extremely smooth in the car.

I always like to plan out how much money I'm going to spend on a car and when I'm buying one. I'm pretty much dead-set on purchasing an InlinePRO Turbo Kit (Street or Race). Would anyone recommend any others? I'm mainly looking at power gains. Well I'm going to do more research. Thanks in advance!

 

It seems like you want to buy an s2000 just to put a turbo kit on it even admitting you've yet to drive one.

Something about this post makes me think the s2000 isn't the car that will satisfy you the most.

My ap2 transmission feels light years better than my ap1 unit did. Besides that, the engine internals are strong as hell. I believe it's one of the few Honda motors that are forged from the get go. It's the differential and other drive train components you would want to strengthen if adding a turbo setup.

Depending on ice or other insane weather... this car can be a difficult horse to tame regardless of driving habits. Something about sitting almost on the rear axles makes snap over steer very consequential.

 

If your buying an S2000 as a daily driver and turbo ing it get a beater on the side for sure. Especially when buying a cheaper high mileage AP1.

 

As always, test drive. It's a highly subjective matter and no one can tell you which you'll prefer. if you really want to read opinions then there are countless prior AP1 versus AP2 threads.

How did you decide on the S without driving one to begin with?

If you know what you're doing it's smooth. If you don't you'll gripe that it's notchy.

+1. Get to know the car then mod it once you've driven and tracked it and have actually sorted out where you want the improvements.

 

Turbo kit? Winter driving? Daily Driver?

Get an AP1. Put snow tires on the 16" wheels, get decent aftermarket wheels, and buy the cheapest S you can since you'll be modding the engine and putting on miles.

 

ap2 if you can afford it

ap1 if not

 

Buy the car you like. AP1/AP2 really doesn't matter. I bought the one I liked most and don't look back or feel like I could have done better with AP2. Your mileage may vary.

 

Don't buy an s2000 if you are going to drive it in the winter. Ha

 

While the cars are not that different; the slightly more compliant suspension and the extra low-end torque makes AP2 a better daily driver.

 

My advice if you get an AP1: VALVE adjustment ASAP and change the retainers to AP2. Bad experiences on my part, specifically with high milage ap1's.