So im looking to buy a s2k and the question i have is.

A. is is better to buy a stock s2k with no major mods to the engine, or is it ok to buy one already tuned?

B. Should i go for an AP1 or an AP2 Honda s2k? "does it make a huge difference?"

 

A. my feeling is that it's generally better to buy a stock vehicle and go from there. the one you are looking at isn't just tuned, it's highly modified. if you are not very familiar with aftermarket turbo setups and ready to maintain/work on it then it can become a big headache in a hurry.

B. the debates over AP1 vs. AP2 are endless. there are a million threads on the matter if you do a search here. otherwise i just suggest getting an '02 or newer. the '00-'01 had a few things that needed ironing out.

 

As just mentioned usually better to start with stock and then make the mods you want...however if you find a car that is suited to your taste and you have the ability to determine if the car is in good condition...then shouldn't be a problem.

AP1's are a little more raw than AP2's which seem a bit more refined, but you really can't go wrong with either one...

 

Personally i would ask seller if it is clean title and also request a carfax report from him or take care of it yourself, can learn alot from it as far as number of owners and general car history As far as buying the example shown i would probobly purchase a stock vehicle. Doing so will help you learn many things about the car while modifying it and intern you will know everything about that particular car

AP1vsAP2 as already stated these discussions can go on for many threads! IMO you should test drive both an AP1 and AP2, i have owned 3 of the 4 differentiating models. I would look for an 02'+ if anything due to many important/convenient upgrades after 00'-01'

 

LOL.
A) Do you want someone elses headache or your own?
B) Ap1 vs Ap2.. comes down to personal preferences

If your familiar with RWD and mechanically inclined get the turbo car. Why not? If your not ready to fix the problems your self or don't have really deep pockets and a second car for down time, stay away.

 

if you've planed to boost the car - it might be a good idea to get a finished project.

it inspires less confidence but it should save you a lot.
if it doesn't - no reason to buy it.

i personally think that unless S is used for serious drag - no boost is needed.
just unnecessary headache.
it already has enough speed for the street and for the track.
and if you think it's slow - you need to improve the driver

 

Why would you spend almost the same on a stock car and then mod it and waste thousands. Get a carfax and compression check and if looks good get it.

 

stock stock stock! if i knew the guy that tuned the car or had a close relationship to the shop that did the work id consider

 

I'd never by an S2k with a turbo in it. However if it had a supercharger in it I would consider it maybe a bit more than the the turbo one.

As far as AP1/AP2's go. As everyone said, its all about personal preference. The only differences really are a few exterior pieces, The motor being slightly larger with a 2.2 but with an 8k rev limit instead of the 9k AP1. The rest is all in the suspension, Different spring rates and sway bars. All this varies from year to year regardless though.

 

with a stock vehicle at least you know what you are getting and can modify it the way you want to modify it. you also learn a lot more about the car by slowly adding the mods you want. if you buy a highly modified car and there is something you don't like about it or something that doesn't work then you are stuck trying to reverse engineer the thing to get it back the way you want it. unless you just luck out and the thing runs perfectly and has every mod that you want... but then what's the fun in that?!