I just picked up my yellow S2000 on Saturday! Now I'm ready to take it to get the usual stuff done: alarm, stereo upgrade, and tinted side windows...but I notice very few S2000's w/ tinted windows. I've always had them in my other cars, both to keep the car cooler (it gets pretty hot here in TX). I found myself riding w/ the top down and windows up on the way home, however, when it was really colder than optimal for topless driving. In these instances, I'd probably prefer non-tinted windows.

Also, any thoughts on the factory vs. aftermarket alarms? I'm currently leaning towards a Clifford w/ perimeter sensor.

Thirdly, has anyone here hooked up an Alpine CD changer to the factory receiver? How well does it work (i.e. does the deck controls work OK w/ it)?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Chris

 

chris, talk to Pinky, our resident stereo specialist

congrats on your purchase.

 

welcome aboard.
suggest you check out the (excellent) search function on this board. there has been a lot of discussion of most if not all these topics.

enjoy.

 

The new Alpine changers use Ai-Net, whereas the older ones, and the OEM one uses M-bus (I think, don't hold me to it).

You can still buy an Alpine changer that works with the older system and hence with the OEM and this is probably your best bet. I believe there is also an M-bus to Ai-Net adaptor but I think it's for connecting older changers to newer heads. Not sure on that one.

 

I had the factory alarm installed. Seems to work pretty well, but Melissa is always in a garage. No real test yet. Since it's a ragtop, most breakins would come from there. Proximity sensor might be good. The car is hard to steal without a flatbed. The imobilizer would make it hard to start.
I'm also looking at tinting the windows soon. Summer here is blistering hot and every little bit helps. I also think it looks better.
No thoughts on the cd changer. The engine is my music. I just listen when I'm in the mood. Stock sound system is fine.

 

The reason most people dont have their windows tinted is that they think they can't get the back window tinted. My rear window is tinted. I did it myself, although I know of at least two high end shops in my area that would have been willing to do it for me. I did it myself because I knew how to and it only cost $5.00 in materials rather than the $150 they would have charged just for the back window alone...

 

Get the Clifford alarm. It will save you the paranoia. The Honda alarm sucks and it doesnt come with any shock, proximity, or tilt sensors. At least you get the cool fake carbon fiber remote. You can certainly trust the name Clifford (hell, that's my name too) . Latez!

 

I suspect some people didn't have their windows tinted because its not uncommon to drive with the top down and windows up to reduce wind/noise. It just happens to look a little more weird with tinted windows.

-B