Hey guys, this engine sure seems to have a lot of drivetrain noise, especially if you are idling against a wall that echoes every bit of the noise. My question, as the world's most paranoid S2000 owner, is how much drivetrain noise is normal, and what kinds of noises are normal?
Thanks!

 

I hear the rattle and hum as well.

 

My car idles every morning in my single car garage for 10 minutes. Once it's warmed up all you can hear is the fan running. It's the quietest car I've ever owned. Now when driving it I get alot of drive train noise but only when the top is up. The wind usually cancels out all drive train with the top down.

 

"Noise" is a personal perception thing. What is noisey to you may be quiet to someone else. Due to less sound insulation on this car, you will hear stuff you wouldn't normally hear in another car. Also, double overhead cam engines have a lot of moving parts as compared to OHV engines so there is naturally more noise. We also have chain drive cams as opposed to belt drive which are a bit quieter. You should meet up with other S2000 owners in your area and compare notes.

 

After having my clutch replaced for the incessant buzz, it's very quiet by comparison. I spend most of my driving time with the top down and that means a lot of noise. I can hear the cams and cam drive, reminds me of a racing engine, especially driving under an overpass. There is very little transmission and rear end noise. I can hear the exhaust, but it's pretty quiet and subdued. I'm very pleased with the way my car sounds, now. A bit more exhaust would be good, however.

Take xviper's advice and ride in someone else's car and draw your own conclusions.

 

I have a 2001 S2000, and had alot of noise from the drivetrain when deaclerating in 4th,3rd,and 2nd. I finnally had the clutch updated and there is very little noise now. I think this is the most common form of noise on previous models, but if I'm not mistaken this was addressed in the 2002 models.
Try depressing the clutch when the car is idling at a standstill, if the noise goes away it might be the clutch. If it does not, keep in mind that most Honda engines are noisy when the engine is cold and idling. Your going to expierence some minor noise do to the drivetrain location inside the cockpit.


Boiler
I have a HKS exhaust, it has a great sound, but it has gotten louder since I have owned it.
I have to admit though, with the top down it sounds awsome.