I know what you mean. Theories about stars aligning (or being willfully aligned) with just the right parts with just the right tolerances being selected at random (or carefully selected) to produce an over achieving motor that represents the best potential of the breed. Some built deliberately for magazine tests, others the fortunate happenstance of fate.

Bit in essence, every S is that special motor. Exacting tolerances and parts measured and specific components selected. Hand built.

What those star aligned motors of legend claimed to occur was the standard manufacturing process of every F series S motor.

So there isn't really room for one motor to stand head shoulders above all others. Its like each one was already a genetically engineered soldier, created in a lab to be the best possible example of the breed.

 

Except when you acknowledge that this isn't the case for the S2000 until you get up into the F22 years. The F20 having some rather hit and miss cylinder machining tolerances which I was a victim of with major oil consumption out of the box that only increased to the point of a Honda Care short block replacement and head valve guide recon at less then 50k miles. Mid 02 at least got the upgraded piston skirt oil squirters, then in 04 proper deck honing for cylinder to head mating. There was an evolution in building this engine.

 

People don't understand dynos. The point is to baseline, change part of the system, then measure the change. Just showing up and getting a dyno number is meaningless - the dynos might as well just give the number '1'.

The one thing we can see from hundreds of dynos over the years that are shared here is the general trends in hp numbers, once you ignore outliers (Mustang dynos, colder days, etc.). That's where you see a steady upward power trend every couple years as the engine and its government were continually tweaked.

 

You contradict yourself.

First you say the dyno numbers are meaningless and might as well say 1hp. Then you say they show a steady increase in power through the evolution of the S. 'Does one understand how to interpret a dyno' isn't part of determining a dynoe's relevance in my book. Obviously they have more relevance then just being a tool to show a delta figure for one car right? Sure it helps to understand all the factors that go into a reading and how the particular dyno reads the information. There are difference, yes. There is enough information out there for those in the know to be able to throw one car on one type of dyno and get a pretty good assessment of how accurate it is compared to a set of external factors and make a refined judgment. There is value there for some folks. Personally I like to stick to one dyno to eliminate big variables. At least the type of dyno.

 

Think GT meant 1 =<1st>dyno plot for the specific vehicle

 

Well either way, and I stand on what I said.

 

I think you're both right. I think the point of the might as well say 1 hp rant was against the tendency many have to become obsessed with mine's bigger than yours mentality. Many people do indeed try and compare raw hp reading from one type of dyno on one day with something very different. With a bit of frustration fueled hyperbole thrown in.

These numbers have use, and can have a reasonable amount of correction applied to glean some value from them. You just can't apply absolutes to them.

 

The only other cars I can see this from is the R35 GTRs when they are talking about the pre-2011 update and the SVT Cobras (especially Terminators).

I do agree that every 2 years there was a suspension and ECU change but that's just slightly better hardware. I also agree that Honda didn't change the ratings of the F22C because it wasn't much difference and they didn't want other counties to feel they were left out.

I do admit the F22C is a better designed engine. Better bores, less valvetrain issues, not as bad oil consumption, the stronger drivetrain, better for boost too.

However if both F22C and F20C were in the same exact car, running a specialized tune, with the same gearing, tires, wheels etc it would be down to the driver.

What S2000 is best? The one you bought.

Personally I prefer the 2003 F20C engine with the AP2 transmission and an aftermarket ECU but my friend with a 05 has my AP1 trans for longer gearing and we aren't far off lap times.

 

Ive run these combos as well and they are the best in these arrangements to capitalize on the powerband and gear ratios of each, so in hindsight Honda did get it wrong/mixed up.

 

That's why we like it here in UK
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