When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The road to a new car has been a long and fun one. Being the little brother to a car nut, i've had the priviledge of getting some hella hand me downs (96 integra, 00 Civic Si). I got rid of the Si when some die hard youngster was willing to give me 9,500 for it (I was in grad school, taking trips between my family's house and my girl's house and UVA, so I needed something a bit more highway worthy). I used the money, combined with a little inheritance to get my current love. An Acura TL-Type S. She's quiet, comfortable, and techno-loaded. The bose is perfect for those long trips of boredom, and that nav has saved my ass so many times (especially the time I almost ended up at Camp Perry- a US intelligence base where the people at the gate hold their pretty M16s. But now that i'm in that personal joyous time between school life and married/family life, I figured that it was time to get a great sportscar. So, as much as it pains me, it's time to let my trusty TL go. I narrowed it down the S2k and the 350z. I drove them both. The Z first, and I noticed it was a bit clumsy footed and it felt pretty heavy, but in a line, she was fast as anything. Kind of like a musclecar..just in japan. The S2k was the direct opposite, but one of the big thing the s2k lacks (most likely to keep it around 2800lbs) was some of the cool electronics that i've become quite used to. I'm pretty much sold on the S2K (especially after reading some of the posts on this site, you guys are a pretty classy bunch). Nevertheless, I have a few questions about the car itself, what I will be able to do to it, and a few terms that you guys use that I don't understand....
1) What's the difference between the AP1 and the AP2? (Is that just the name of the different honda engine's that've been in the s2k (the 2.0 and the 2.2?. I know what the difference in the engines are, i'm just not sure if AP1 and AP2 is what you guys are talking about)
2) Is there any way possible for me to put a custom sound system in my s2k? (I'm not talking subs or anything, I'm not much of a bass guy), but a new receiver (Maybe pop up with nav?) and some speakers (i know it only has two)?
3) Anyone had experience with the hard-top? Is it worth it? (it rains quite a bit down here. Think of it as seattle, but warmer. Which is why I think i'd prefer the lighter s2k over the Z).
4) Any color recommendations (remember it rains alot, but I wash my car weekly now anyway, even though it is a silver four door sedan)? I narrowed it down to Silverstone, Black, and Suzuka Blue (the sebring silver is a bit too close to my current satin silver). I like the black alot, but I think a nicely modded Silverstone would like really nice (especially with a CF hood)? I've never seen Suzuka blue before. It seems really pretty, but I'm not sure if thats the right color for a guy? Just judging from the pictures (not trying to challenge someones masculinity who might drive a suzuka blue s2k. I've just never seen one in person, pictures can be misleading)
5) I hear some guys talking about 4.57 gears? Does that just change the final gear ratio? What affects will that have on the car? Would it help me to rev faster off the box (i noticed in my test drive that it wasnt reving to quick, but I wasnt pushing it hard- didnt want to kill someone's future car on my greedy test drive)
I think that about covers it. This seems to be the premier forum for the S2000. So I'm sure you guys will point me in the right direction. Honda Priiiiide
1. In America, yes
2. Yes.
3. Where do you live? No HT for me!
4. I'm a manly man! Pictures can be deceiving! err um...
5. Drive it for a while and decide if you want faster acceleration at the expense of MPG.
1) AP1 is the chassis designation for pre '04 cars. AP2 is for '04+. Only North America has the 2.2L engine for '04+.
2) Sure. New head, door speakers no problemo, just like any car. There is some interface mods that allow you to keep the stock remote controls and add new features. Japanese cars have a in dash nav option. You could get something similar custom installed.
3) I bought a convertible because it's a convertible.
4) Get whatever.
5) Those are final gear ratio changes to the differential. It takes the engine around 7k-10k miles to really break in and loosen up. The car with some miles will feel a lot peppier than a brand new one.
1. AP1 and AP2 relates to pre and pos MY2004 (MY=model year).
AP1 (<04) has F20C engine: 2 liter (9000rpm redline)
AP2 (>=04) has F22C engine: 2.2 liter - more torque but less revs (8000 rpm redline). Redesigned bumpers, lights, wheels (now 17 inch) with wider tires.
some minor interior changes. A bit different suspension and chassis reinforcement.
2. Yes, you can put any DIN1 custom sound system, but no pop up screens - shifter is too close to the radio. You can also change door speakers, mount a sub in the trunk...
3. I only recommend a Hardtop if you live in a cold/rainy climate area and drive your car all year round.
4. Color choice is a personal and subjective aspect. I can only recommend black if you can wash and wax the car almost weekly.
5. Don't think of modifying a car you don't have, yet. I have OEM gear ratio of 4.1 and it fits well for me, even with my F20C2 (Europe). Changing this gear will improve greatly torque in expense of higher rpms and mpg.
Welcome to s2ki, its nice to see a well thought out post by a youngin'. That's rare.
I won't touch the AP1/AP2, that's been handled pretty well.
As far as sound goes, I'm still all stock. That'll change eventually, but what I'm coming to realize pretty quick, is going 80 with the top down will drown out pretty much anything. I live in Phoenix, so while the rest of the country is cheering for the warm weather, I'm hating it because it means top up. While driving like this I do get more out of my speakers (duh!) but its still not great.
Never been a huge convertable fan before this car, but its quickly making a believer out of me. However, in the 2+ months I've had this car I've developed a pretty good farmers tan, and I wear spf 50. So I'm debating a hard top as well. The only bad thing I've heard/read was from one of the major car magazines (R&T/C&D can't remember which) that it was a major pain in the ass to get in or out of the car with a HT on. Have a grain of salt with that though, its a pain in the ass with the rag top up as well according to some people, other's have no problem, all what you are used to.
I had the same dilemma color wise, albeit shortlived. I was dead set on silverstone, until I saw the black. In the end common sense won out, while I do baby my car, and I want a car not a lifestyle. Desert+black car=washing every other day. Not my cup o' tea. As for suzuka, the first S I sat in was a friend of a friend's, and it was suzuka. It looks much better than the pictures do, not my style, but they do look pretty good. My major beef is the blue interior, I just can't shake it.
Sorry, can't help you much with the gears. That's another thing to do on my 'eventual' list, but for now I'm holding off. Do a search on it, one of the mod's is a big believer in the gears, even put up an interesting video.
Grats on the new car, even if you do end up going with the Z.
3) I have the hardtop and I love the hardtop! I live in the northeast but my car goes into storage during the winter so I did not buy it for winter driving. I like the hardtop for long distance drives, for both the silence and the added security when I lock the doors as well as track events. I must also point out that the S takes on a very unique look with the HT. The HT is very well made and I feel is worth every penny because it can transform the S from a convertible to a coupe in no time at all. Yes I love my convertible, but I also love my HT, and that is what's so cool, 2 cars for the price of one essentially.
A few questions before I join you guys...
