Hi all,

I used to own an 2001 S2000 which I sold about 3 years ago. Sadly, I miss it, and I want one back and looking for some education since I haven't kept up.

I'm edging towards the 04+ since I like the new styling and from what I understand, it's marginally faster in most scenarios due to having a but more torque but there are some concerns.

My questions/though are:
- Is the suspension "too soft"? Can you put the AP1 back on? What's a good aftermarket suspension that is lighter and comparable?
- Does the lower redline 'get in the way' of enjoying the car? Loved the way the 01 wound up. Is it safe at all to raise it to.. 8500?
-Reliability: About the same, slightly better (I imagine, fewer bugs etc..), slightly worse?
-Anything else to know about the AP2s coming from an Ap1?

Thanks in advance.

 

They're all basically the same car, so don't expaect any dramatic changes. Check the last link in my sig for year by year changes.

 

This past Friday I decided that I was going to go trade-in my 2001 for a 2007, because like you, I love the styling (bumpers, headlights, taillights, interior, everything! (and I got a promotion/50% raise) ...but then I testdrove one... ugh! Suspension felt a lot softer, steering had more play in it, clutch was a lot lighter and softer, and I kept on hitting the rev-limiter (due to the shorter redline, gearing, and the clutch not grabbing like the AP1 clutch...

I was totally sad about it, because I wanted the "better looking car", but couldn't justify it... it didn't feel as solid or "go-cart like" as my AP1...

Different people prefer the AP2 over the AP1 however, so if I were you, I'd go drive an AP1 again, and then go drive an AP2... and decide which you like more...

 

What are the suspension options to make the car feel like previous models?

 

I know that the rear sway bar and springs are softer compared to AP1s, but the front spring rate was increased.

 

they improved the power from 240hp to 237hp!







j/k

 

I agree with Saki GT. Both are pretty much the same. Just some slight differences. The "softer" clutch is due to the Clutch Delay valve found in the 04+. It can be pretty easily removed. It saves your rear-end supposedly...? You get used to it. The softer suspension helps to reduce oversteer. The "more play" found in the steering is supposed to be matched with the suspension. its still plenty tight though... if you plan on going FI you might want to do some research into what year you want... probably 05 and under... if you are going to be NA 06 and above have some options from hondata worth looking at... adjusted redline and vtec points... either way an S is an S, period.

 

doesn't the new sexier look add horsepower? it's 237 on paper but it's actually 20+ HP due to revised bumper and lights

 

i went from a 2002 AP1 to a 2007 AP2...in all honesty...I enjoy driving the AP2 better...the only drawback was getting used not having that extra 1000RPM.

-a

 

I have observed that the 06+s have had more issues out of the box, mainly between the electronic throttle and a dash bubbling issue. Stay away from 08s. They are tuned to understeer so even the blonde 40 year old lady down the street can think she can drive....