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Speaking of rough VTEC crossover, the F series engines have basic VTEC - that was one of the things Honda tried to fix with the AP2 (F22) - Honda remapped the engine for ~20 hp more below VTEC and more power sooner and a smoother transition. If you want to feel more kick, buy an AP1 and you'll feel the bigger difference between no power below VTEC and more after you get to 6,500 rpm.
I am one of those S2000 owners that had the luxury of driving new 03 AP1s and new 04 AP2s when I was looking to buy, and for me, the AP2 won out for several reasons. Of course, any S2000 is better than none.
but less kick down low, which is another things he was concerned about.
OP, the s2k isn't really a super powerful car, and it seems like your power expectations might be a tad unrealistic, though you may be looking for more noise, rather than more speed (if it feels like the 'lude is faster).
The focus of the car is on handling. It makes enough power to get by, but it's not going to be terribly impressive in a straight line. It will be faster than the current car, no doubt, but it's not going to feel like a drag car. It might be worth looking at something else if that's the goal.
Originally Posted by Triple-H,Feb 7 2011, 12:55 PM
1,000% agree which is why I suggested the OP at least tries an AP1
With the higher rev you are in VTEC longer and the sound is awesome
And honestly, the tiny AP2 bump in torque has IMHO always been over rated
And before someone tries to turn this into an AP1 Vs AP2 thread let me just say don't
AP1 is not like AP2, some prefer 1, some prefer 2, to each their own, respect the difference
I bought a Spa/Indy Yellow 2001 for my daughter and she uses it as a daily driver (although it's now in my driveway undergoing normal winter maintenance in Houston since she lives in Minnesota with her Ford beater). I loved it so much that I bought a pristine 2007 Rio Yellow Pearl (6k miles) that is a bit of a garage queen.
Although the same bloodlines are clearly evident in styling, handling, and performance, they are different cars. A LOT depends on how you intend to use the car: autox, max performance, DD, weekender, etc.
Keep your intended use in mind and then drive both AP1s and AP2s to get a good feel for the difference. Pricing will also weigh in primarily due to age and mileage.
Aside from any major collision or engine history, you can't go wrong buying either.
(I saw a really nice LBP the other day and started thinking that I need more garage space for another S2k!)
Originally Posted by Triple-H,Feb 8 2011, 10:51 AM
Wrong - I think the reason you find more wrecked AP1s is because they are older, thus the averages substantiate there would be more, I think the number of years the car has been on the road has more bearing on the number wrecked that the omission of stability control.
Both models have been out in the market for a while now, but IMO, you see more wrecked AP1s because:
1- Less expensive, so you see more younger buyers with less driving experience and no rwd getting them and treating them like fwd Civics.
2- Less rubber on the road, plus the quality of tire bought
3- Less forgiving suspension, amplified by #1
4- VTEC crossover can unsettle the car midcorner, amplified by #1
Originally Posted by Triple-H,Feb 8 2011, 06:51 AM
Correct - AP1 does not have stability control.
Wrong - I think the reason you find more wrecked AP1s is because they are older, thus the averages substantiate there would be more, I think the number of years the car has been on the road has more bearing on the number wrecked that the omission of stability control.
And, the best "stability control" does not come from an electronic chip, it comes from driver education and training.
I fully anticipated this very response and the whole "learn to drive" line makes for great poetry. However no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes (even great drivers). Knowing you have that safety net there is very reassuring.
The age of the car does make a big difference but the plain fact is that it is a LOT easier for someone to accidentally wreck an AP1 than an AP2 with stability on.
Originally Posted by deepbluejh,Feb 8 2011, 11:10 AM
I fully anticipated this very response and the whole "learn to drive" line makes for great poetry. However no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes (even great drivers). Knowing you have that safety net there is very reassuring.
The age of the car does make a big difference but the plain fact is that it is a LOT easier for someone to accidentally wreck an AP1 than an AP2 with stability on.
Yep, especially on the road where you have to deal with unexpected things like deer or other animals, unexpected puddles, or whatever else.
Thanks for all of the replies. Besides the 00 Si I have, I also have a Evolution 8 that I bought new. It is pretty much stock, but has a huge grin factor when you put the acclerator down. I realize the Evo has 100+ more torque than the S2000, and at a lower rpm range.
I still love the S2000. Always have. Anyone have any good sound bites or videos of an AP2 with simple airbox mod or CAI? Stock exhaust please. I checked youtube and everyone is running aftermarket exhaust on the sound clips....
Originally Posted by Triple-H,Feb 8 2011, 06:51 AM
Correct - AP1 does not have stability control.
Wrong - I think the reason you find more wrecked AP1s is because they are older, thus the averages substantiate there would be more, I think the number of years the car has been on the road has more bearing on the number wrecked that the omission of stability control.
And, the best "stability control" does not come from an electronic chip, it comes from driver education and training.
You have to press and hold the VSA button for several seconds for VSA to turn off. Who the f' cares about VTEC crossover intensity? Ricer mentality is ricer. The s2k was not built to pull 1.6 60ft's, it was built to be on a road course. If you want a fast straightline honda...keep your civic and drop a boosted K24 in it and call it a day.
