Considering my first S2000
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Originally Posted by labelskate,Feb 12 2010, 11:59 AM
It still makes the same HP though. Have you ever driven the 2.2l? I learned how to drive stick on my fathers 02' s2k and my 05' is better in every way possible in both of our opinions.
and fyi, japan changed to the 2.2 as well, it just took them a year or two longer than here.
and fyi, japan changed to the 2.2 as well, it just took them a year or two longer than here.
And I didnt realize Japan changed to 2.2l in 2006, I stand corrected
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From: Long Island, NY
What sold me on the 04-05 rather than the 03 was primarily the change to carbon fiber synchros. The 2nd reason was torque (most of my daily crusing is done <6krpm), the last reason was less oversteer.
If the oversteer was fixed, and the synchros were fixed, but it kept the 2.0 with 9k rpm redline, I still would have bought one.
If the oversteer was fixed, and the synchros were fixed, but it kept the 2.0 with 9k rpm redline, I still would have bought one.
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From: On yo puter screen
Originally Posted by 4evertopless,Feb 12 2010, 02:25 PM
Im going to offend a few people, which is almost unavoidable anyways, so here goes.
The fact that the 2.2l version of this car exists, to me, is annoying. The car was designed around that 9krpm rev range, and sacrificing 1k+ rpms, for a few FT/LBs of torque is absolutely retarded if you ask me.
The only reason the 2.2l "AP2" exists was to pander to the American car magazine market, whos sole "complaint" about the s2000 was a lack of torque. The ENTIRE REST OF THE WORLD went without this change, frankly, because it wasnt needed, that should tell you something.
The Ap2, IN MY OPINION, is a sissified version of the original. I cant imagine a driving PURIST wanting traction control, or wanting a softer rear suspension and sway bar. This car lost some of its original charm with those changes, and the only saving grace in the latter years IMO, was the CR version, which still lacks the beautiful singing 9krpm range of the JDM car, that to me, is just a bigger joy to drive.
Now, its your car, so your preference. Your driving abilities, style, and habits should be the decider here, so dont let mine, or other opinions sway you into buying something you are personally uncomfortable with.
The fact that the 2.2l version of this car exists, to me, is annoying. The car was designed around that 9krpm rev range, and sacrificing 1k+ rpms, for a few FT/LBs of torque is absolutely retarded if you ask me.
The only reason the 2.2l "AP2" exists was to pander to the American car magazine market, whos sole "complaint" about the s2000 was a lack of torque. The ENTIRE REST OF THE WORLD went without this change, frankly, because it wasnt needed, that should tell you something.
The Ap2, IN MY OPINION, is a sissified version of the original. I cant imagine a driving PURIST wanting traction control, or wanting a softer rear suspension and sway bar. This car lost some of its original charm with those changes, and the only saving grace in the latter years IMO, was the CR version, which still lacks the beautiful singing 9krpm range of the JDM car, that to me, is just a bigger joy to drive.
Now, its your car, so your preference. Your driving abilities, style, and habits should be the decider here, so dont let mine, or other opinions sway you into buying something you are personally uncomfortable with.
transplant An AP1 9k motor into a CR minus the Ac and radio and there you the perfect stock purist driving car from japan! 
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Originally Posted by 4evertopless,Feb 12 2010, 11:25 AM
Im going to offend a few people, which is almost unavoidable anyways, so here goes.
The fact that the 2.2l version of this car exists, to me, is annoying. The car was designed around that 9krpm rev range, and sacrificing 1k+ rpms, for a few FT/LBs of torque is absolutely retarded if you ask me.
The only reason the 2.2l "AP2" exists was to pander to the American car magazine market, whos sole "complaint" about the s2000 was a lack of torque. The ENTIRE REST OF THE WORLD went without this change, frankly, because it wasnt needed, that should tell you something.
The Ap2, IN MY OPINION, is a sissified version of the original. I cant imagine a driving PURIST wanting traction control, or wanting a softer rear suspension and sway bar. This car lost some of its original charm with those changes, and the only saving grace in the latter years IMO, was the CR version, which still lacks the beautiful singing 9krpm range of the JDM car, that to me, is just a bigger joy to drive.
Now, its your car, so your preference. Your driving abilities, style, and habits should be the decider here, so dont let mine, or other opinions sway you into buying something you are personally uncomfortable with.
The fact that the 2.2l version of this car exists, to me, is annoying. The car was designed around that 9krpm rev range, and sacrificing 1k+ rpms, for a few FT/LBs of torque is absolutely retarded if you ask me.
The only reason the 2.2l "AP2" exists was to pander to the American car magazine market, whos sole "complaint" about the s2000 was a lack of torque. The ENTIRE REST OF THE WORLD went without this change, frankly, because it wasnt needed, that should tell you something.
The Ap2, IN MY OPINION, is a sissified version of the original. I cant imagine a driving PURIST wanting traction control, or wanting a softer rear suspension and sway bar. This car lost some of its original charm with those changes, and the only saving grace in the latter years IMO, was the CR version, which still lacks the beautiful singing 9krpm range of the JDM car, that to me, is just a bigger joy to drive.
Now, its your car, so your preference. Your driving abilities, style, and habits should be the decider here, so dont let mine, or other opinions sway you into buying something you are personally uncomfortable with.
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From: Scottsdale
I have owned and put miles on an 03, 04, 05, and 08. First of all take what each person says with a grain of salt. There are a lot of guys here that will protect to any extreme the particular model that own. In all reality all the cars are great and offer something special. Here is my take
00-01. Never owed. Cool because they are the original. A very unforgiving, purists car. Many seem to find them very unrefined, for better or worse. Personally I dont like the rear window or the center console being carpet.
02-03. I loved this car. It was more refined and comfortable than the 00-01 cars, but still very, very track oriented.
04-05. I highly preferred the AP2 model to the older AP1 for every day drive-ability. The engine, suspension, transmission, was just so much more usable for every day driving, along with additional added cosmetics, such as a revised interior and exterior. I am not a professional track driver, but I can drive the car pretty damn well. Yes the 03 was better track car, but I could push the 04 a lot harder and was more comfortable every day. To me the 03 was more the car I would want for the track with massive mods and the 04-05 was a better street car.
06-07. Never owned. Some nice features over the 05. Personally I dislike the wheels, but do not mind things such as VSA. People complain about it, but it can be a life saver and turns off with just a button. Really its personal preference. My understanding is the 04-05 is easier to seriously mod, but I have never gone forced induction.
08-09. I have an 08 CR right now and I absolutely love the car. Without a doubt it is my favorite car. All the things I modded on the other cars is already done and I love the looks. However, this is my first that is NOT a daily driver. I think it would be difficult car to do with.
Above all else just look for a nice, low mile, not abused car. A 10 year car is always going to be older and often have more wear than a 1 year old car. They are all great cars and you will enjoy any year if you are a car enthusiast. Its an enthusiasts car made by enthusiasts.
00-01. Never owed. Cool because they are the original. A very unforgiving, purists car. Many seem to find them very unrefined, for better or worse. Personally I dont like the rear window or the center console being carpet.
02-03. I loved this car. It was more refined and comfortable than the 00-01 cars, but still very, very track oriented.
04-05. I highly preferred the AP2 model to the older AP1 for every day drive-ability. The engine, suspension, transmission, was just so much more usable for every day driving, along with additional added cosmetics, such as a revised interior and exterior. I am not a professional track driver, but I can drive the car pretty damn well. Yes the 03 was better track car, but I could push the 04 a lot harder and was more comfortable every day. To me the 03 was more the car I would want for the track with massive mods and the 04-05 was a better street car.
06-07. Never owned. Some nice features over the 05. Personally I dislike the wheels, but do not mind things such as VSA. People complain about it, but it can be a life saver and turns off with just a button. Really its personal preference. My understanding is the 04-05 is easier to seriously mod, but I have never gone forced induction.
08-09. I have an 08 CR right now and I absolutely love the car. Without a doubt it is my favorite car. All the things I modded on the other cars is already done and I love the looks. However, this is my first that is NOT a daily driver. I think it would be difficult car to do with.
Above all else just look for a nice, low mile, not abused car. A 10 year car is always going to be older and often have more wear than a 1 year old car. They are all great cars and you will enjoy any year if you are a car enthusiast. Its an enthusiasts car made by enthusiasts.
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From: NE Ohio
Thanks Shockwave, that's good info!! I think I'd be happy with an 03 (because of the glass rear window) or an 04-05. I don't want to narrow my search too much. I think over all a AP2 is what I'm shooting for! 