All S2000's after MY03 (MY04 onward) have a more rigid chassis, a modified rear subframe, larger wheels and tires, slower steering ratio, and other changes in common, but the engine can be either an F20C or an F22C, depending on the market for which the car was built. Chassis/body number (AP1/AP2) also varies with market, so that (for example) an MY04 EUDM car is an AP1 with a chassis that is identical to an MY04 USDM AP2 chassis, but the chassis carries an F20C engine. I think there may also be markets where the AP1 designation is used for cars with the USDM AP2 type chassis/body and F22C, so the meaning of AP1/AP2 seems to vary with the markets.

What we need is a way to unambiguously differentiate between the various combinations, independent of the target market, but it is difficult, because Honda's designations aren't consistent.

Basically we have the pre-04 chassis and the 04-and-later chassis, and the difference is readily apparent by looking at the wheels and tires. We also have two engines (with variations), the F20C and F22C, with the numbers obviously designating a displacement change.

On an international forum like S2kI, AP1/AP2 is more confusing than useful.

 

This chart seems to indicate that Japan got the F22C in 2005, and also got the AP2 designation at the same time.

The model designations on this page are interesting too.

 

EUDMs are all F20C and AP1. even MY08

 

How do you know this?

 

the flag under his avatar seems to give away that he is euro

 

I saw that, but that doesn't really tell me shiite. I'm in North America but doesn't mean I know all about the Chassis/Motor setups released for the USDM, right?

You ASSUME too much. I ask.

Thanks for nothin'

 

I have a 06 EUDM myself. AP1 code on the chassis, F20c under the hood. I've been to the dealers and seen MY07 AP1 with me own eyes, i did

 

Cool, thanks. So the F20C lives on!!! Most excellent. I love mine.

 

Confirmed

 

Ok, been to the dealers yesterday and saw my car, it just arrived!!!! I take it as you all know there are different markets for Honda, mainly US, Europe, Asia, and the the other one, which is called something I dont recall is the African/third world countries.

AP2 with F22 is apparently only USDM,
AP1 with F20 is Asia and Europe,
Africa gets a mix of both,

this is what I have been told at least, and its not gospel!!