Best Year S2K - Everything Considered
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 10
From: The courtroom
Whatever year that is modded intelligently, and maintained properly, although it's hard to make a case for the 00 - 01 MY's because of the plastic rear window, banjo bolts, and minor interior features that are lacking, and even those aren't a big deal.
This car is such a well built machine it doesn't matter, the only real problem could be the owner.
This car is such a well built machine it doesn't matter, the only real problem could be the owner.
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 6
From: Manitoba
2000 + 2001
- Model year 2000 did not have a clock. Per Honda, it was intentionally left out due to the race car theme. It became standard equipment on 2001 model.
- Model year 2000 offered wind deflector as an option; it became standard with the 2001.
- Red floor mats became available.
2002 + 2003
- Replaced the plastic rear window design with a glass window, equipped with a defroster. The window is smaller in size and the top frame was redesigned to accommodate the glass.
- The UK Press release states “.. for 2002, there is a significant change in the suspension’s fine tuning. Spring rates have been increased, anti-roll bar stiffness reduced, and the gas-filled dampers (shocks) recalibrated. The changes have been made to improve steering feel and handling progression at the limit, while maintaining the response, grip and balance of the original S2000.” {All three changes would be for an understeer correction.} Anti-roll bars: Front & rear sway bars were reportedly changed. Originals were F: 28.2 mm (1.11") x 5.0 mm, R: 27.2 mm (1.07") x 5.3 mm. A new ‘02 owner says his measures: F: 26.11mm and R: 27.35mm. Springs: ‘ 02 rear springs have a new part number.
- Early stereo complaints were addressed in the 2002 model with an upgrade from 20 to 30 watts per channel and the addition of door mounted tweeters. The door speakers are blue-plastic, have no 'paper' cone, magnet is still small, but owner’s report the 2002 sounds vastly better.
- The solid aluminum shift knob could be cold as ice in winter or very hot in the sun, for the 2002 model it was changed to a combination leather and aluminum knob.
- The black interior color shade has changed to a dark grey or charcoal bluish black shade.
- The stereo has digital bass/treble/fade/bal controls. You push the right knob and set them as opposed to small black knob that you would push to pop-out.
- the tonneau cover changed. There is only 1 clip on the each side to push in from underneath. The elastic bands straps on each side remain the same. Reportedly its easier to attach and doesn't appear to 'flap' up like previous design.
- The shade of wheels are a slightly darker silver with a little more metallic-flake.
- Heat and A/C fan are more powerful. The 2nd and 3rd fan speeds are noticeably more effective.
- A chrome ring has been added to the tail-lights.
- A metal ring has been added to the interior door panel pulls.
- The horn reportedly has a different tone.
- The plastic trim piece that outlines the dash, as well as the trapezoidal plastic plate in which the roof and hazard buttons sit, are made of a different color/finish plastic – a gray, grooved plastic rather than the bland black untextured plastic.
- The cupholder cover and trash hole behind it are textured plastic as opposed to the same untextured earlier ones.
- Interior leather and plastic colors have changed. For example, earlier Silver cars came with a combination of red and black interior.
- The 2002 model comes with a solid red interior (dash, doors, center storage, etc.).
- Radio design and color changed.
- It’s said to have improvements in the transmission to make it smoother and provide quieter shifts.
- The dead-pedal is now metal/rubber and matches the other pedals.
- A vinyl console cover replaces the carpet console cover.
- The buttons for the defroster and cruse-control on switches are a different shape.
- The new window defrost button is the cruise control on the right side of the steering wheel.
- There is a small subtle change in the trunk lid shape at the rear, near the trunk brake light. Reportedly this was to meet the Federal safety standard measurements.
- The tach indicator line is now white and the scale connected by a solid white arc line.
- The outside Honda badges are larger.
- A second post has been added to the carpeted floor mats to secure them.
- There is very limited cockpit storage in the race car tight confinements, so door panel net storage pockets were added for the 2002 model but they are too small for anything but perhaps a garage door opener.
- Paint color changes were made. In the US, Sebring Silver replaced Silverstone Metallic (the newer is a brighter silver). Suzuka Blue Metallic was added.
- Some interior colors were changed in 2002, for example, the red & black interior of the Silver car was changed to ‘all’ red.
- At mid-model year the banjo bolts in the engine lubrication system were upgraded from two-holes to four-holes each.
AP2
- Transmission revisied gear ratios, reinforced diff for peace of mind, oil banjo bolts,
- Clutch Vale Delay (CVD) = "designed to purposely make the clutch slip whenever the rear is in shock aka slamming gears at wot to keep the diffs from being damaged in the long run". "CDV makes the clutch slip, its that it keeps the driver from "slamming" the gears faster than a set rate, thus preventing driveline shock. The diff reinforcement is minimal AP1 to Ap2, but blown diffs dropped significantly with the CDV and AP2."
2004 + 2005
- New engine F22 8.5K redline but more HP and TQ
- New front and rear bumper design
- 17" wheels with different Bridgestone tyres
- New front and rear lights
- Facelifted interior
- Some suspension changes which include a slight ride height change and a little softening of the rear end.
- Colour coded headlamp washers
- Factory fitted alarm
- last year for helmet cutout in seats?
- 50% stiffer chassis than it's predecessor
- revised piston rings and oil squirters, make for a more reliable, less (or not at all in my case) oil consuming engine.
- carbon syncro's for a stronger, longer lasting gearbox
- Stronger clutch springs
- stronger diff internals
- better stereo
- Wider wheels, and better suspention setup, meaning it's a faster and safer car: Yes it is
2006 + 2007
- New Colours - Deep Burgundy Metallic, Bermuda Blue Metallic
- New Interior Colour - Brown Leather
- Drive-By-Wire Throttle System. Ues a computer sensor to input throttle as opposed to pulling on the throttle cable. Has a noticeable lag on the initial throttle response when switching gears when comparing to cable throttles but can be fixed with flashpro.
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control. A combination of computer controlled throttle and individual wheel braking to control sudden changes in vehicle behavior. VSA has a turn-off switch where the defrost button (moved) used to be. Helps with driving in the rain.
- 20 lbs heavier = ?transmission
- Redesigned road wheels
- Redesigned steering wheel
- Brake Assist, which helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation via the ABS actuator. Braking pressure is maintained momentarily after the driver's initial braking action to help the driver stop promptly. It deactivates when the driver releases pressure on the brake pedal
- Exterior temperature gauge
- New seats (interfaced to air bags for weight and position) harder to fit aftermarket passenger seats due to airbags
- 4 of the 8 speaker audio system are integrated roll bar speakers
- New intake manifold, fuel rail, intake support bracket, and injector cover
- Only one cam sensor
- New style map sensor
- IAT sensor has moved to the rubber intake tract
- Fuel line at engine is now a quick-release type
- Air pump, associated lines and and control valve, have been eliminated
- Fan switch in the radiator has been replaced with a second CTS, in turn the fans are now computer controlled
- HO2S in the header is now referred to as an Air fuel ratio sensor
- New exhaust center section
- flywheel disapointment because its heavier
- programable ecu
- head rest plastic trim removed from back of seats so does not get scratched
- External temperature displayed in binacle
- DBW enhancements such as relocated IAT Sensor and revised MAP flashable ECU
- slightly stiffer in response to 04-05 users moaning
Special thanks to richmc, MIP, Honda-Tech, s2ki
Hello I've been a lurker for quite sometime now. I am posting information I have found, I am looking at purchasing an s2000 within a year (just bought a house
)
Please correct me if I have any of this information wrong.
Edit just found this thread Changes between XX-XX
- Model year 2000 did not have a clock. Per Honda, it was intentionally left out due to the race car theme. It became standard equipment on 2001 model.
- Model year 2000 offered wind deflector as an option; it became standard with the 2001.
- Red floor mats became available.
2002 + 2003
- Replaced the plastic rear window design with a glass window, equipped with a defroster. The window is smaller in size and the top frame was redesigned to accommodate the glass.
- The UK Press release states “.. for 2002, there is a significant change in the suspension’s fine tuning. Spring rates have been increased, anti-roll bar stiffness reduced, and the gas-filled dampers (shocks) recalibrated. The changes have been made to improve steering feel and handling progression at the limit, while maintaining the response, grip and balance of the original S2000.” {All three changes would be for an understeer correction.} Anti-roll bars: Front & rear sway bars were reportedly changed. Originals were F: 28.2 mm (1.11") x 5.0 mm, R: 27.2 mm (1.07") x 5.3 mm. A new ‘02 owner says his measures: F: 26.11mm and R: 27.35mm. Springs: ‘ 02 rear springs have a new part number.
- Early stereo complaints were addressed in the 2002 model with an upgrade from 20 to 30 watts per channel and the addition of door mounted tweeters. The door speakers are blue-plastic, have no 'paper' cone, magnet is still small, but owner’s report the 2002 sounds vastly better.
- The solid aluminum shift knob could be cold as ice in winter or very hot in the sun, for the 2002 model it was changed to a combination leather and aluminum knob.
- The black interior color shade has changed to a dark grey or charcoal bluish black shade.
- The stereo has digital bass/treble/fade/bal controls. You push the right knob and set them as opposed to small black knob that you would push to pop-out.
- the tonneau cover changed. There is only 1 clip on the each side to push in from underneath. The elastic bands straps on each side remain the same. Reportedly its easier to attach and doesn't appear to 'flap' up like previous design.
- The shade of wheels are a slightly darker silver with a little more metallic-flake.
- Heat and A/C fan are more powerful. The 2nd and 3rd fan speeds are noticeably more effective.
- A chrome ring has been added to the tail-lights.
- A metal ring has been added to the interior door panel pulls.
- The horn reportedly has a different tone.
- The plastic trim piece that outlines the dash, as well as the trapezoidal plastic plate in which the roof and hazard buttons sit, are made of a different color/finish plastic – a gray, grooved plastic rather than the bland black untextured plastic.
- The cupholder cover and trash hole behind it are textured plastic as opposed to the same untextured earlier ones.
- Interior leather and plastic colors have changed. For example, earlier Silver cars came with a combination of red and black interior.
- The 2002 model comes with a solid red interior (dash, doors, center storage, etc.).
- Radio design and color changed.
- It’s said to have improvements in the transmission to make it smoother and provide quieter shifts.
- The dead-pedal is now metal/rubber and matches the other pedals.
- A vinyl console cover replaces the carpet console cover.
- The buttons for the defroster and cruse-control on switches are a different shape.
- The new window defrost button is the cruise control on the right side of the steering wheel.
- There is a small subtle change in the trunk lid shape at the rear, near the trunk brake light. Reportedly this was to meet the Federal safety standard measurements.
- The tach indicator line is now white and the scale connected by a solid white arc line.
- The outside Honda badges are larger.
- A second post has been added to the carpeted floor mats to secure them.
- There is very limited cockpit storage in the race car tight confinements, so door panel net storage pockets were added for the 2002 model but they are too small for anything but perhaps a garage door opener.
- Paint color changes were made. In the US, Sebring Silver replaced Silverstone Metallic (the newer is a brighter silver). Suzuka Blue Metallic was added.
- Some interior colors were changed in 2002, for example, the red & black interior of the Silver car was changed to ‘all’ red.
- At mid-model year the banjo bolts in the engine lubrication system were upgraded from two-holes to four-holes each.
AP2
- Transmission revisied gear ratios, reinforced diff for peace of mind, oil banjo bolts,
- Clutch Vale Delay (CVD) = "designed to purposely make the clutch slip whenever the rear is in shock aka slamming gears at wot to keep the diffs from being damaged in the long run". "CDV makes the clutch slip, its that it keeps the driver from "slamming" the gears faster than a set rate, thus preventing driveline shock. The diff reinforcement is minimal AP1 to Ap2, but blown diffs dropped significantly with the CDV and AP2."
2004 + 2005
- New engine F22 8.5K redline but more HP and TQ
- New front and rear bumper design
- 17" wheels with different Bridgestone tyres
- New front and rear lights
- Facelifted interior
- Some suspension changes which include a slight ride height change and a little softening of the rear end.
- Colour coded headlamp washers
- Factory fitted alarm
- last year for helmet cutout in seats?
- 50% stiffer chassis than it's predecessor
- revised piston rings and oil squirters, make for a more reliable, less (or not at all in my case) oil consuming engine.
- carbon syncro's for a stronger, longer lasting gearbox
- Stronger clutch springs
- stronger diff internals
- better stereo
- Wider wheels, and better suspention setup, meaning it's a faster and safer car: Yes it is
2006 + 2007
- New Colours - Deep Burgundy Metallic, Bermuda Blue Metallic
- New Interior Colour - Brown Leather
- Drive-By-Wire Throttle System. Ues a computer sensor to input throttle as opposed to pulling on the throttle cable. Has a noticeable lag on the initial throttle response when switching gears when comparing to cable throttles but can be fixed with flashpro.
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control. A combination of computer controlled throttle and individual wheel braking to control sudden changes in vehicle behavior. VSA has a turn-off switch where the defrost button (moved) used to be. Helps with driving in the rain.
- 20 lbs heavier = ?transmission
- Redesigned road wheels
- Redesigned steering wheel
- Brake Assist, which helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation via the ABS actuator. Braking pressure is maintained momentarily after the driver's initial braking action to help the driver stop promptly. It deactivates when the driver releases pressure on the brake pedal
- Exterior temperature gauge
- New seats (interfaced to air bags for weight and position) harder to fit aftermarket passenger seats due to airbags
- 4 of the 8 speaker audio system are integrated roll bar speakers
- New intake manifold, fuel rail, intake support bracket, and injector cover
- Only one cam sensor
- New style map sensor
- IAT sensor has moved to the rubber intake tract
- Fuel line at engine is now a quick-release type
- Air pump, associated lines and and control valve, have been eliminated
- Fan switch in the radiator has been replaced with a second CTS, in turn the fans are now computer controlled
- HO2S in the header is now referred to as an Air fuel ratio sensor
- New exhaust center section
- flywheel disapointment because its heavier
- programable ecu
- head rest plastic trim removed from back of seats so does not get scratched
- External temperature displayed in binacle
- DBW enhancements such as relocated IAT Sensor and revised MAP flashable ECU
- slightly stiffer in response to 04-05 users moaning
Special thanks to richmc, MIP, Honda-Tech, s2ki
Hello I've been a lurker for quite sometime now. I am posting information I have found, I am looking at purchasing an s2000 within a year (just bought a house
)Please correct me if I have any of this information wrong.
Edit just found this thread Changes between XX-XX
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 36,017
Likes: 226
From: Queen City, NC
Lots of incorrect info in Themikewoo's post, and lots of missing info to boot. Plus a lot of opinion, not fact.
Read through the link instead.
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/599...001-2002-2003/
Read through the link instead.
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/599...001-2002-2003/
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1
From: Santa Monica-SoCal
04-05 wheels look the best by far imo. 06+ rims look terrible.
i would also like vsa for rain though. and would have loved laguna blue color
but overall, i think the 04 is the best bet. you can swap ecu with ap1 so it revs to 9k. the car is so cheap, it's just an awesome deal no matter what you get. although this is no point in getting an 08 unless u want to pretend it's new.
i would also like vsa for rain though. and would have loved laguna blue color
but overall, i think the 04 is the best bet. you can swap ecu with ap1 so it revs to 9k. the car is so cheap, it's just an awesome deal no matter what you get. although this is no point in getting an 08 unless u want to pretend it's new.
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 0
03. Here's why
1. 9k redline
2. quicker ratio steering rack
3. guaranteed to have the updated banjo bolts (started updating sometime in 02MY)
4. glass window in top
5. updated interior/ speakers over 00-01
6. updated transmission
7. latest MY of the AP1
1. 9k redline
2. quicker ratio steering rack
3. guaranteed to have the updated banjo bolts (started updating sometime in 02MY)
4. glass window in top
5. updated interior/ speakers over 00-01
6. updated transmission
7. latest MY of the AP1