Just purchased a 01' with 44K miles on the dial. I've noticed when driving the car on the freeway (w/ the top up) going at about 70mph, the wind noise is LOUD!!! Is this normal? I mean, I driven a Boxster, but the noise level this thing puts out on the freeway is almost unbearable. I can't even hear people's conversations on the radio. Plus the engine breaking is a killer. It sounds like the tranny is about to blow up. Thanks.

 

holes in the top? check that. Engine noise is loud? maybe you bought the wrong car!

 

About the wind noise, my strikers were worn when I got mine. They are the little aluminum pieces the top latches hook onto on the A-frame. I had mine replaced under warranty so I don't know how much they would cost. If when the top is up and you pull on the hand hold and the top moves, that is probably your problem. Makes a world of difference when they are fixed.

The engine breaking noise is a bonus It's just part of the car.

 

Compared to the Boxsters that I've driven, the S2000 is louder, but not excessively so. Perhaps the top is not aligned properly and there is wind noice coming in from wher it contacts the header.

[QUOTE=av2,Aug 5 2004, 01:18 AM] Plus the engine breaking is a killer.

 

I had the same problem. I removed the strikers and inserted washers between the striker and the windshield frame. It has quieted the car a great deal. Hope this works for you as well.
Oh yeah- Welcome
Chris

 

I had the same problem with excessive wind noise. I replaced the strikers and used the Shin Etsu grease and greased up all the rubber seals around the windows and top. It made a difference in reducing wind noise at highway speeds.

Replacing the strikers is super easy. It takes all of 15 minutes to change out both sides. Just pull the plastic pillar covers and remove the sunvisors from each side. Pull down the plastic cover at the top of the windshield down on each side and you'll be able to see where the strikers secured at. Each striker is secured with two screws. Unscrew them and put the new ones in.

Jeff or Joe at Ganley Honda (www.hardtopguy.com) know the part number for the strikers and their prices are cheaper (around $40 for both strikers) than your local dealer.

Also go ahead and change the tranny fluid and rear differential fluid also.

 

the decelleration noise is the "clutch buzz" and it seems almost every S2K has it, or will develop it. supposedly there is a new disc, but event that buzzes. the cause is that the clutch springs can't absorb the powertrain vibrations well and it buzzes. No, the tranny won't blow up.

the wind noise is the strikers on top of the windshield being worn. You need new ones. I suggest www.hondaautomotiveparts.com. Buy the strikers for the 02 model! They are about $20 each and you can put them in with a screwdriver only in about 15 minutes. The new strikers are a new harder alloy.

you can get them here, #62 in the picture
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com./auto/...=SOFT+TOP+FRAME

 

Yes, it's fairly normal. You may be able to tighten some things inside the car, but overall, it will be noisy.

I had an 01' S2K, and that thing was loud with the top up and doing more than 70mph. I traded my 01' for an 03', and I can't believe how much quieter it is. I can cruise at any speed, and it doesn't make much noise (for a roadster ). It actually seemed as though I had a "luxuary" car because it was so much quieter. I think the older models have less sound deadening and more squeaks.

 

Thanks for all the great suggestions except for "...you bought the wrong car!" For being an owner of a S2000 for 3 days, I am enjoying the ownership dispite the "problems." I was told about the clutch noise from the dealer when I took the car in for a 45K mile service. I will look into getting the strikers on the site provided. Thanks again for all the help.

 

have fun man