This is not a stupid AP1 vs. AP2 comparison test, it's just a realization that I had based on reading another thread.

The AP1 is drag limited to it's top speed of around 155 or so. The AP2 is rev limited to around 155mph due to it's 8,000rpm redline and 8,200rpm fuel cutoff.

Case in point, in my '05, I remember being just north of 150mph and I was right at 8,000rpm. I have a digital tach/shift light that I programmed to light up at 7,750rpm and it was was lit up for several seconds as I climbed very close to the top speed in 6th gear.

So, that begs the question, since the AP1 has a redline of 9,000rpm or so, wouldn't gears allow it to become rev limited to it's top speed versus drag limited?

Both cars can only pull to around 8,000rpm in top gear, difference is the AP2 is redlined there and the AP1 is drag limited.

 

Yep - that's why 4.44s or 4.57s in an AP1 are so much better. I think the AP2 has a much better gearing selection then the AP1 did...

 

AP1 would top our around 172mph if it wasn't for drag..... since the ap2 tops out around 153mph, drag doesn't really play a roll in it...

now if you have gears it changes that number....
ap1 with 4.56 tops out at like 152mph
ap1 with 4.77 tops out at like 146mph, drag would not play a roll in this

 

Gears would allow an AP1 to more easily reach its top speed, but the top speed it reached would be lower.
If you kept stock gears and greatly increased power (i.e. turbo, s/c) then an AP1 should be able to hit it's higher top speed with stock gears.

 

You have this exactly right.

Both cars are limited to about 155mph. One via drag, the other via mechanical.

If you put 4.57 gears into an ap1, it will still have a top speed of about 155mph or so, but now it is also mechanically limited. (an ap1 redlining 6th with 4.57 gears will get to about 155 or so)

 

I believe Honda optimized the AP2. It so happens that it's drag limit is also almost the same as its geared limit. This indicates that the amount of power available to this car will only propel it to a certain speed. Altering the gearing of either car will not make either car go any faster unless more power can be found, since we know that "gears" do not add power. Even if you gave the AP2 that extra 1000 rpm, it won't likely go much faster as it is limited by the amount of power it has to push it through the wind.

 

FYI, by "faster" I believe xviper means top speed faster, not acceleration faster.

 

noob question:
What is AP1 and AP2?

(just joined, so please excuse my lack of knowledge)
-Chris

 

Those two terms are chassis codes Honda uses in the VINs.

AP1 = 2000 to 2003 model year S2000s.
AP2 = 2004 and up model year S2000s.

 

just a quick side question. I know the 02 and 03 ecu's are a little leaner than the 00 and 01 ecu's which have said to give a little bit more bottom end and mid range. Is there ANY LOSS of switching out an 01 ecu and going to an 02 or 03. Is the top end power the same or greater. I hate to switch to give up one for the other. Thanks for any responces