I've read through all of the "noob" threads and have familiarized myself with the history of the car and the differences between the years fairly well; but I am wondering:

Does the 2004 come with a clutch delay valve?
Does the 2004 drive more like the 2000's-2003's or the 2005's-2007's?
Does the 2004 have a difference management system making FI harder? (Obviously AEM or another management would solve this but for the time being...I'm just curious)
Does the 2004 use different exhaust mounts than earlier years? A friend of mine tried tell me this...

Anyway, I've searched all over for these answers but I can't find much for year specific on the 2004...

I am looking at getting my first S2000 within the next few weeks and I just want to make sure that I am getting the car that suites me best - I really want something raw and no traction control...

Also, just so you guys can help me out...I know I am sounding like an idiot asking this stuff but I just want to get it out of the way...

The drive by wire didn't come into play until 2006, right? So 2004's never even had this...I don't like it and I do prefer cable (mechanical) throttle...

The 2004 will not have traction control, either, right? (As I do not want it.)

Thanks for the help, guys...I know the questions are pretty petty but I just want to make sure before I jump at anything.

Thanks in advance...

David A

 

Well as far as traction control only the 06+ have that so you won't have to worry about that with an 04 as well as the electronic drive system.

Other than that others can help better

 

Okay, in order:

1. Yes the 2004's come with a clutch delay valve. It is a device in the slave cylinder that restricts fluid flow. You will either hate every minute of it or not notice it at all, depends on how you drive. It can be removed by modifying the slave cylinder or swapping in a 00-03 slave cylinder.

2. The 04 would drive more like the 05-07's since 2004+ s2000's have a different transmission (carbon syncro's, different tranny ratio, etc) and a 2.2 L motor with an 8000rpm redline instead of 9000 like the 00-03's.

3. The 04 engine management to my knoweldge is very similiar to the 00-03's. In fact, some people swap the computers. I don't think boosting it should be any harder as there are plenty of boosted 04-05 cars. The 2006 is a different story as it has a lot of differances. Most mods that work on the 00-03 cars work on the 04-05 cars as well, the same is not true of the 06+.

4. This is the only one I'm not positive about as I never owned an 00-03, but I believe this is a true statement as well. I don't think its a major differance though.

5. Yes the drive by wire was implemented in 2006.

6. No the 2004 does not have traction control.

7. Your welcome!

 

'04 and later have different rear subframe to address bumpsteer issues. The spring rates and swaybars are also different for each year.

Having owned the 2001 and a 2004, the 2001 is definately the more "raw" car, although I love them both.

 

"I really want something raw and no traction control..."

You want an AP1. The car gets less raw every year its in production.

 

Since JSimply answered all your other questions, I'll snag the last one

Does the 2004 use different exhaust mounts than earlier years? Same mounts, different rubber hangers. The difference is barely noticeable. People have used AP1 exhausts on AP2's with no issue.

"I really want something raw and no traction control..."

Both AP1 and AP2 are going to be more "raw" than any other car you could probably get right now, other than an Elise. The AP1 does have the 9000 RPM redline, but has less torque (which is noticeable once you have driven both). The AP2 is slightly more refined but is still very raw at heart. In my opinion, the AP1 feels like your driving a Civic when your not in VTEC

I would say that the AP2 is much better for a daily driver/city driving and is still able to have an awesome time during weekends.

Of course, this is a total non-biased opinion

 

Just some FYI the 06 traction control is easily turned off.

 

I think you can go FI with the 04's....I think i've seen some people have it.




peace

 

You can go FI in 05 with ease as well. The 06 has intake manifold changes and the DBW system will also have some problems you'll have to work around. I'm sure if you lurk around the board enough someone can provide you with your answer. If you want to know all that has to be done to boost the MY04 check the Forced Induction fourm.

 

I have an '04 that is boosted......so you must be able to