After about 3 weeks and finally getting past the 600-mile mark so I can VTEC, here are a few of my first impressions about the AP2 vs. my original MY'02 AP1 (and having had an original-original MY'00 as well). A lot of this is just my own personal opinion after more than 7 years of driving s2k's with a moderate amount of track time (none on the AP2 yet).

Exterior
- Not crazy about the amber lights inside the headlights and taillights, but it's better than stock (non-cleared) AP1 headlights. I'll put clear sidemarkers on and probably call it a day.
- Bigger wheels and tires make the car feel more "planted"
- I prefer the look of the stock AP1 wheels.
- The horn is a lot louder! [added 10/11]

Interior
- The new double-wide cupholder is lame (the little arm the separates the two sides has already broken). Good to hold more stuff like sunglasses, may be okay to hold drinks if that little arm survives. I like the slider door.
- The center console in general doesn't appeal to me. I liked the simpler look of the leather AP1 console.
- I wasn't sure I liked the new seats without the "helmet indention" but it's probably safer. I was rear-ended when I lost my AP1 and got a pretty stiff neck. I bet my head wouldn't have gone back so far with the new seats. Also less dust to collect.
- The stock stereo and speakers aren't too bad, although I've already ripped them out and put in an really nice new setup. I'm not sure what I think about those roll-hoop speakers.
- I don't really like the new dash display, the multiple "arches" seem overdone, but I do like having a clock and temperature display! Besides, how do you know when it's "3 bars" so you can VTEC???
- The gas gauge has the same problem as the AP1 - the top half lasts forever, the bottom half empties in one drive around town!
- The blinkers sound different [added 10/11]

Engine and Performance
- REDLINE COMES WAY TOO FAST - too little VTEC time! I'm going to have to learn how to shift sooner. May need to get Modify's shift beeper.
- Definitely more perky below VTEC, especially right off the line. My AP1 used to dog in 1st if the A/C was on. Now I can chirp the tires without even trying, even with the A/C on.
- I notice more airflow-related sounds (although I had a CAI on my AP1 so maybe that's why it sounds so different) and some electronic sound from the engine for a couple of seconds after I turn off the car.
- Cool new engine cover.
- I haven't had an opportunity to use the traction control yet (VSA) ...
- It rides "maybe" a little smoother, but I don't feel a major difference like what I expected after reading so many posts about the mushy, soft, blah blah blah suspension.

The Bottom Line
- It still feels like an S2000.

I'll be interested to see how it compares once I get it out on the track.

 

VSA is usually on by default. You sure its not on and you don't know it?
If VSA is off you get a light on the dash, left side that warns you. If there is no warning light on then VSA is enabled.
But you did mention you chirped your tires. I cannot with VSA enabled. With it off, I can melt em.

 

when its at 7-8 bars.....you'll adjust

 

Nice writeup

 

agreed that 8k isn't enough vtec time.

remember to do something about the clutch delay valve.

how do you feel about the steering ratio?

 

good comparison!

 

Engine warm up is to just 3 bars. Then its go time! Enjoy the AP2 I just got mine about a month ago (my first s2000) and I absolutely love it! The wider tires really do give it some good grip even though I am a bit timid to really push it on the streets figuring I just bought it a month ago. Im learning how far she has to go before loss of traction a lil at a time. hehehe

 

Great review....

 

AP2 feels more driver friendly in my opinion, a friend used to have an 03 he got rid for a supra, i got the 07 and i love it, i barely use the AC so its not too bad when it comes to losing power, wider tires helps alot compare to an AP1 16 inch especially in the rain.
I also think the redline is too short 6K-8K but thats enough for me to handle..hehe.
And also VSA should be on at all time unless you click it off everytime you start the car, that should hold you from spinning your tires freely.

grats on the new S!

 

The redline and dash can be solved fairly easily...swap in an ECU from an MY 00 or 01 and get the JDM AP2 dash cluster that goes to 9k. Get your key affixed to the new 'puter, and done. The old ecu's ran rich, so they actually work great on the 2.2 bottom end. You'll find your powerband is similar to the AP1, with power dropping off in the 8400-8500 rpm range.
Every AP2 I've ever seen on the dyno slams into the rev limiter...it's just set too low...the car is still making really good power when it's cut.