I'm in the market for a sporty 2 seater convertible and have narrowed it down to several cars with the S2000 being one of them. I have driven an '03 Boxster (5 speed, sport suspension) and Boxster S (6-speed), and Z4 3.0L (6-speed, sport package) and waiting for the new 350z roadster coming this summer. I'm doing all my research now and will make my decision after I drive the Z.

So far, out of all the cars that I have driven, my favorite is the Boxster S. Fantastic car! No complaints except for the "discounted" 50k price tag (dealer's sales manager is a friend) still a bit high. So at about 41K TTL I can see myself owning a Boxster.

I can't get a special deal on the Z4, so it's at least 45K for a 3.0 L with sport package. So for now it is sorta out of the picture. I'm looking to stay closer to 40K TTL.

So now it's between the Boxster and S2000. So lets cut to chase. I don't like the lack of low RPM acceleration and torque from the S2000. Everything else about the S2000 is great espeically the price tag. So if I were to purchase this car at 35K TTL I would have about 6K to play with.

What sort of mods can I do to give the S2000 more lower RPM acceleration and torque similar to the Boxster and Z4. So any mods to the car is bound by these constraints:

-Budget of 4.5K (1.5K would already go to suspension mod)
-No turbos
-No super chargers
-Must be reliable, I'm keeping the car for at least 4 years.
-Top end speed not too important to me (I usually dont't go past 130mph-135mph anyway).
-Fuel efficency willing to sacrifice down to 18 mpg city
-I want more torque earlier than 6K. (possible?)

Is this too much to ask from this car? It'd be great if achieve this for less than 4.5K. I'm not a drag racer. I think you'd miss the whole point of this car if you want this car to be a drag racing monster (IMHO). I enjoy acceleration out of sweeping turns and sharp corners. If the acceleration related mods could be done for less thna 4.5K then that'd be great. I'd put more money into the handling.

Thanks!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AustinTX
[B]What sort of mods can I do to give the S2000 more lower RPM acceleration and torque similar to the Boxster and Z4.

 

The S2000 is not a car designed to have lots of low-end torque. It is made of exotic materials so it can turn 9K RPM. It is all that can possibly done with 2 liters' displacement and last a long time. Would you buy a race horse and try to put it on an exercise program so it can pull a plow?

You need more displacement, lower compression, and different cam timing to get what you want. Almost everything sold except the S2000 will do the job for you. Seriously: buy a Corvette or possibly a 350Z. You would never be happy in the S2000 unless you can figure out how to get another engine in it.

 

J's 4.44 Gears.

 

Plenty of acceleration with the s2k out of sweeping turns - at or above 6k. You just have to be willing to shift to stay in the powerband.

My opinion - if you want low end grunt - just buy something else. The vtec rush is part and parcel of the experience with this car.

If you decide on an S2000, the gearing suggestion is a good one - I think you can even get 4.77 gears if you really don't care about top speed...

 

Correct I really don't mind losing some top end for more acceleration. Will the gear swap help me before the vtec kicks in? Please explain how this actually works.

How much should I expect to for a gear swap including labor?

I have driven a friend's S2000 often and stay around 4.5K-5K. This is where I want more torquiness. Vtec is great when it kicks in. I guess I'm a lazy driver

I don't have false expectations of getting a torque monster out of 2.0 L without some sort of forced induction. I just want a reliable way to get more of a kick from 4.5k to 5k, where it would fit my driving habits. Maybe the S2000 is not for me.

 

The gear swap is definitely not for you if you're a lazy driver. You'll be stirring the shifter VERY frequently. It really won't help you below vtec - it'll just get you there more quickly.

I honestly don't think the S2k is the ride for you. I'd wait on the 350z 'vert or possibly the G35 (if they make one)

The '04 supercharged Mustang looks really good to me too... With 500 hp, you won't have to shift to go fast!!!

 

If you already are not totally satisfied with the low end power, don't get the car. There is nothing you can really do about it. The engine is not designed to give you low end power. You will be disappointed. Get the Boxter S. 41k is a great deal.

 

I have driven all 3 ,and not to sound condisending but can afford all 3 ,but went for the S2000 ,20k more for a boxter S for a slight edge on the street but none on the track .....NO WAY !!.......Z 4 NOT !!!Please drive all 3 before you make a purchase . The low torque thing ,if you get use to downshifting it won't be a problem ,You WILL learn to love it !!I will always miss my LS 1
Camaro ,but I LOVE this S2000 !!

 

Although the car is lacking in torque, it is very driveable in traffic. If you are the type of person that loves doing burn-outs, this car isn't for you. One thing to realize is that when racing, your not ever below 6k and stay well within the motor "sweet spot" Another thing to consider is the cost of maintenance on a porche.

If your worried about reliability with respect to Forced Induction, stick with the comptech system. It is well within your price range and has been around long enough to work out the kinks. I believe there are some driving around with 30+k on them.