I’m posting a separate thread for a s2000 with a Kraftwerks supercharger and stage 2 clutch and wondering based on this picture is the cleanliness of the engine bay a red flag or not? I would still do a PPI on it but wondering if it’s worth the trouble

 

That's a ton of corrosion damage on the valve cover. Lots of other rusty parts - vtec solenoid, battery tie-down, radiator stay, hose clamp to radiator, both tophats. Brake fluid is super dark and doesn't look like it has been changed in a long time. Coolant overflow tank is over-filled. Given the lack of overall care, the supercharger makes it even worse - an aftermarket FI-car that isn't being maintained and cared for is going to be an endless money pit. Avoid that car.

Edit: also, that engine bay (valve cover) looks very familiar. I have a feeling that that car has been making the rounds getting sold or trying to get sold.

 

I don't like it but I'm not sure that alone is a problem for the right price and with thorough inspection. My valve cover isn't nearly that bad but it's starting to not look pretty. Vtec solenoid and battery tie-down aren't that abnormal at this age. My car has never been driven in winter and my solenoid has corrosion though isn't quite that bad. My tie-down paint was peeling badly and I replaced it. Brake fluid shouldn't be let go like that but let's be real here. Unless people track their car, they really don't change the brake fluid out much. Both S2ks I have purchased probably had original brake fluid prior to my ownership. This engine bay looks like a 20 year old car that maybe is near a coast or a place that actually has seasons and may have spent some time outside.

Generally, the functional stuff looks to be in order. I think it's a risk, even with a good PPI, and the car could use some TLC. If it checks out, it doesn't have significant rust underneath, and it's priced sufficiently with taking a bit of risk, it may not be a bad buy. To an extent, "There is no such thing as no, there are only terms." There could be terms that this purchase may make sense. Don't pay for the car as if it is an original car in excellent condition. That would be dumb.

 

Most likely won't be the case. If you can see that kind of rust/corrosion damage in the engine bay, under the car and everywhere else is going to look significantly worse. Good luck with every single alignment and suspension bolt. Pretty sure those all will need replacement.