Hey guys, I recently bought an AP1 S2000 and am really loving it. I bought it bone stock with semi-low miles and for a fair price. I just have a general question: Considering it is unmodified, what in your experience/opinion would enhance the driving experience (both engine and in general) for both the short term and long term. In terms of goals I don't plan on taking it to track much if at all. I do enjoy spirited driving whenever I do drive it though. Right now I was just thinking maybe K&N filter cuz I've heard good reviews, and coilovers/wheels/tires down the line. Later on it will eventually become my daily so also tips for daily driving one....Thanks in advance.-クリス

 

Congrats! I'm in the same boat bought a 00' S2k 8 months ago with 32k miles.

Just completed the new owner maintenance most people would recommend:

- Valve adjustment
- spark plugs
- shifter re-grease
- drain and flush brake and clutch fluid
- oil change and filter
- drain and replace transmission and rear diff fluid
- new coolant
- Timing Chain Tensioner replacement
- Air filter replacement (I also switched to K&N for more intake noise)
- inspect brake rotors and pads
- inspect motor and trans mounts, hoses, lines etc.. for cracks or wear.
- Serpentine Belt replacement

My car never had any of this done from the looks of it other than fluid changes since it rolled off the factory floor. It still had the original air filter from 22 years ago...It was as dark as Berlina Black paint.

 

Don't forget the cabin air filter.

Billman TCT only. OE if you're OCONUS.

Tires (and an alignment) are the biggest contributor to good handling. OEM 17" wheels and Extreme Performance Summer (or Max performance) tires will bolt right on any model year. There are also well reviewed reproduction AP2V1 17" wheels for less than the cost of refinishing surplus AP2 wheels.

K&N or AEM airbox adds a little power but they sound "performance." First thing I added.

Save your money for a new roof, they all wear out sooner or later.

-- Chuck

 

Personally, I avoid k&n filter, as I don't want compromised filtering. These let through more contaminants, which can show as increased silicates in oil analysis.

For more sound, a 3" hose fed from fender opening into side of stock airbox gives about half the K&N noise, with no compromises to filtering or heat soak. Aka the so called airbox mod.

 

You may want to wait a bit and get used to it. Some recommend a year before you start spending a lot of money on mods. You will find this car is pretty darn good right out of the box.

I performed all the recommendations you will find on this forum after acquiring a car. Changing fluids for baseline, rear axle TSB, valve adjust (yours is an AP1 so not as critical) and other items. I added some 3M Thinsulate for insulation on heat and noise. New headhunt radio/player.

Excellent summer performance tires make a big difference.

 

maximum maintenance with high quality fluids. Then weld your front upper control arm mounts.
Then 200 UTQG tires- the best tires you can afford will make the experience even more enjoyable.
Then take it for an alignment.

darcy

 

Why not just drive it, and see what you like or don't like about it, before wasting money on changing STUFF that you may not need. As others in the know have pointed out, maintenance above all else. Everything else is pretty damn good right out of the box. Enjoy!

 

Do basic maintenance and drive it. First thing I would change is the stock radio with one that has a blue tooth connection.

 

We all have different priorities. The radio is where it belongs: out of sight, I rarely bother to open the door and turn it on. Too much music from the wind, tires, and exhaust.

But a maintenance baseline is paramount. After that it's just routine stuff like any car.

-- Chuck

 

All true. However....................

A good bluetooth headunit works wonders! Always on to stream from my phone, I never open the door either. Dash controls work fine (thank you Modifry for plug and play). My Sony added 45 watts of power and with sound insulation (in the doors especially) the sound overcomes all the external noise top down and is near perfect top up.

Try it , you will like it!