High Mileage on an AP1
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From: Chicago / ATL / Tallassee, TN
Originally Posted by Blue_S2,Apr 27 2008, 04:01 PM
If you are going to do a motor swap find an AP2 engine and tranny.
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AP1/AP2 is pretty subjective, although most prefer the AP2 interior.
When it comes to the engine and tranny, the AP2 is tranny is better as it has carbon fiber synchros, but neither engine is "better," just different.
When it comes to the engine and tranny, the AP2 is tranny is better as it has carbon fiber synchros, but neither engine is "better," just different.
ap1>ap2 
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From: Knoxville, TN
Originally Posted by aCab,Apr 27 2008, 11:51 AM
Does anyone know of anyone selling a s2000 with a blown motor in the south? I'd take a look at it. I'm looking for a project that I can drive.
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From: Littleton, CO
From another thread, but some of it still applies
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...pic=581734&hl=
Few suggestions
- drive or at least ride in another S, the car is loud in some ways, you need to know what passes for normal
- check the top inside and out for wear
- check every body panel for a VIN sticker, make sure they match (no replaced parts), the engine may have a different VIN, this is not unusual
- check under front and rear for curb rash, one I looked at actually had rear sub-frame damage from someone backing it onto a curb
- check A-arm brackets https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...&#entry1446324
- check oil level and condition and for any leaks
- listen on startup, ticking and light clatter is usually valvetrain or injectors-normal, knocking could be a scuffed bore-not normal
- make sure clutch holds strong and grabs early
- shifts without grinds, particularly 1-2
- goes into 5-6 easily when warm, transmission can be a little stiff for first 15-30 min.
- do gentle figure eights in open lot to check diff for clunking
- getting a compression and leakdown check is a very good idea, if the owner will allow for it
The big three $$ are engine, trans, diff. These are some things you can do to check them.
little things that can tell you what kind of owner
- matching set of tires front and rear, appropriate size
- casually ask them how long the OEM tires lasted, I got about 18k out of the fronts,12k out of the rear
- do they do their own maintenance, what intervals, what fluids (most common: trans- Honda MTF or GM Synchromesh, diff - LE607,Mobil 1 Gear), is the oil filter Honda OEM
- condition of brake and clutch fluid (dark is bad, light or almost clear is good)
- condition of top seals (lightly greased)
- ask them about the power steering fluid (little joke, the S has electric assist, their answer might tell you a few things)
things I would do as soon as I bring it home
- pull valve cover and inspect retainers
- maybe send an oil sample off to Blackstone for an oil analysis
- have that compression test if you have not yet
- get a good alignment on it
- change all fluids and filters unless you have no doubt on their condition
- check oil often, some years drink a bit
- autocross!!
Good luck.
- drive or at least ride in another S, the car is loud in some ways, you need to know what passes for normal
- check the top inside and out for wear
- check every body panel for a VIN sticker, make sure they match (no replaced parts), the engine may have a different VIN, this is not unusual
- check under front and rear for curb rash, one I looked at actually had rear sub-frame damage from someone backing it onto a curb
- check A-arm brackets https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...&#entry1446324
- check oil level and condition and for any leaks
- listen on startup, ticking and light clatter is usually valvetrain or injectors-normal, knocking could be a scuffed bore-not normal
- make sure clutch holds strong and grabs early
- shifts without grinds, particularly 1-2
- goes into 5-6 easily when warm, transmission can be a little stiff for first 15-30 min.
- do gentle figure eights in open lot to check diff for clunking
- getting a compression and leakdown check is a very good idea, if the owner will allow for it
The big three $$ are engine, trans, diff. These are some things you can do to check them.
little things that can tell you what kind of owner
- matching set of tires front and rear, appropriate size
- casually ask them how long the OEM tires lasted, I got about 18k out of the fronts,12k out of the rear
- do they do their own maintenance, what intervals, what fluids (most common: trans- Honda MTF or GM Synchromesh, diff - LE607,Mobil 1 Gear), is the oil filter Honda OEM
- condition of brake and clutch fluid (dark is bad, light or almost clear is good)
- condition of top seals (lightly greased)
- ask them about the power steering fluid (little joke, the S has electric assist, their answer might tell you a few things)
things I would do as soon as I bring it home
- pull valve cover and inspect retainers
- maybe send an oil sample off to Blackstone for an oil analysis
- have that compression test if you have not yet
- get a good alignment on it
- change all fluids and filters unless you have no doubt on their condition
- check oil often, some years drink a bit
- autocross!!
Good luck.
