S2000 Talk Discussions related to the S2000, its ownership and enthusiasm for it.

first test drive

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Old May 17, 2004 | 10:16 PM
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Default first test drive

I just took a spin with the top down in a '04. Spent a few miles on the freeway and then back on the surface streets. Overall, very impressed. But...

I currently have a 2000 Prelude, so I'm quite used to the sport-bike revs of the engine. Another member recently wrote that after trading his 'lude for a S2K he was a little let down by the acceleration. I kind of have to agree. I was expecting a little more kick to the seat of my pants. This seems a little odd, however, being that the 0-60 times of the S2000 (at least on paper) are a conservative 1.5 seconds faster than the Prelude. That's a significant difference, but I guess I just didn't feel it. I even noticed that the peak torque - even with the few more pounds at a grand less RPM still come higher than that of my current Honda. Now, certainly, I didn't exactly flog the thing with the dealer two-inches to my right, but I gave it some gas. For you veterans: Does the engine come more to life as it breaks in? Of all the mods that any of you have made, do any noticably improve torque? (Besides forced induction!)

Also, stereo. Everyone is quite right about it being useless on the freeway with the top down. I can't imagine any droptop being any different. But around town I certainly could sense the need for some bass. Do any of you know of a reasonable way to take the two unused rear channels from the stock radio and plug them into a small sub that can be tucked out of the way someplace? That would be a big help. I think. I'd like to avoid changing everything out and losing the auxilary audio controls.

Sorry for being so long-winded. But whatever advice any of you feel like dispensing would certainly be most appreciated. This thing's in my blood now and I'm on the fence.
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Old May 17, 2004 | 10:30 PM
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uhm, when it breaks in, yeah. hang on.
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Old May 17, 2004 | 11:11 PM
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my '04 feels plenty fast to me
but there are faster feeling cars...evo comes to mind
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Old May 17, 2004 | 11:17 PM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2oooNvegas
uhm,
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Old May 18, 2004 | 04:33 AM
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S2k not Vtec'ing is close to an Civic Si (stock). Wait till it hits 6k then youll feel what I felt when I finished the breakin period..
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Old May 18, 2004 | 05:59 AM
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Regarding a sub, you can put one in the tool well in the trunk fairly easily and don't lose too much space, makes a WORLD of difference.
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Old May 18, 2004 | 07:24 AM
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Originally posted by sneather
I just took a spin with the top down in a '04. Spent a few miles on the freeway and then back on the surface streets. Overall, very impressed. But... I currently have a 2000 Prelude, so I'm quite used to the sport-bike revs of the engine. Another member recently wrote that after trading his 'lude for a S2K he was a little let down by the acceleration. I kind of have to agree. I was expecting a little more kick to the seat of my pants.
I know what you mean there. The prelude for those that have driven them, has a very ABRUPT Vtec engagement. It makes it seem much more powerful than it is. It almost goes nuts when vtec kicks in and sounds like it turns into an animal. THe 00-03 S2000 is less abrupt than this, and the 04 even more.

It seems the newer cars get, the smoother they try to make them when you push them. I don't like this, and I like that abrupt feeling! Remember those older cars when you'd floor them around 40+ and they felt like they dug in and grabbed the pavement and took off? Well, the newer models of those SAME cars don't do that anymore. It's now smooth power, and more power, but feels like it's less... I currently have a 2000 Prelude, so I'm quite used to the sport-bike revs of the engine. Another member recently wrote that after trading his 'lude for a S2K he was a little let down by the acceleration. I kind of have to agree. I was expecting a little more kick to the seat of my pants.

Originally posted by sneather
Also, stereo. Everyone is quite right about it being useless on the freeway with the top down. I can't imagine any droptop being any different. But around town I certainly could sense the need for some bass. Do any of you know of a reasonable way to take the two unused rear channels from the stock radio and plug them into a small sub that can be tucked out of the way someplace? That would be a big help. I think. I'd like to avoid changing everything out and losing the auxilary audio controls.
YES! I've done this and added a Bose spare tire sub from an Acura RSX. This fits PERFECT in the S2000 spare tire. If you want bass, and want it prefectly STEALTH, this is a great mod for you. A lot of guys with these RSX-S's are upgrading their systems to aftermarket and you can pick one up cheap.



To learn where to find a used one and how to install it with your factory/aftermarket deck, go here:

bose spare tire sub
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Old May 18, 2004 | 10:21 AM
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Jason,
Thanks for the info and the sub picture. In regards to the sub, do you know if it's at all possible to connect the stock head unit to the Bose sub?

Thanks.
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Old May 18, 2004 | 10:40 AM
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Yes, and that's what I've done. You will find more info in that link of the special converter box you will need.
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Old May 18, 2004 | 10:42 AM
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sneather, the engine in the S is more high strung even than that of your prelude. the 04's are smoother, and you won't feel the kick, but the torque characteristics are completely different than the H22.
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