Nox

I didn't see a newbie section, so I hope this is the right place to find some basic S2k answers. Also the search isn't working at the moment, so I can't find the answers there either. I honestly know very little about the S2k...so be aware if any question seems a bit elementary.

I'm a 2001 Miata owner looking to get behind a more powerful roadster. ( http://www.bucklescomic.com/0509.html ). I really like the Silverstone, so the earlier years are my target choices, but the 02 had some refinements and, of course, the warranty, which is always nice to have.

I've noticed only a few cosmetic changes in the 02. The big one for me was the addition of a glass rear window. Besides buying a new top for the earlier S2ks, is there aftermarket glass windows available for modification?

As far as the ride, I've read about a "snap oversteer". Anyone experience this? I don't drive very hard so I don't imagine this being a problem, but it'd be nice to research this anyway. I've also read that the Honda addressed this in 02 as well as slightly improving the feel of the road.

If there's anything you can tell me about the S2k, I'll more than love to hear about it.

Unfortunately, I haven't yet had the opportunity to drive an S2k. There are two Honda dealers in my area and neither of them have had new or used S2ks in quite some time. This obviously will be the ultimate decision if I buy an S2k. But for now, I'll linger around this site and read what you all have to say...

-Dave

Shadow_S2K

The silverstone is comin out again in 03, so you should look into that if you want the glass rear window. And the oversteer is not a problem, you should test drive one for yourself and you will feel the difference. Good Luck

Schatten

being a former miata owner, I will tell you its much faster and much lighter on the steering wheel. then again, I only had a 94 r model with no power steering.

handling is great, but I will say this - the miata is better in handling. it doesn't have the extra power that will get you in trouble for one thing. the miata is also predictable in turns. if you want it to do something you say DO IT. in the S, its a little different, if you want to do something, you say... okay, I'm gonna do this and the car is going to react like this and I'll need to do this to get there. at least, that's from my experience.

take a test drive or meet up with some s2000 locals in your area to check one out.

Nox

Thanks for the replies.

Schatten, I'm really interested in your thoughts comparing the Miata to the S2000. I have also owned a 93 and a 97M Miata. So I could totally relate to what you were saying about the R.

I was reading another thread here about the torque around town. How does it compare to the Miata?

My 01 has 125@5,000rpm...now around town I never hit the 5,000 range...it's more around 3 or 4,000. It's still pretty quick.

Now the S2000 has 153@7,000...how's it around 3,000 or 4,000? This would most likely be my normal everyday driving shift zone (so I assume...I haven't driven one remember).

Some threads on the Miata.net forum are saying that based on their experience with the S2000 that the S feels much like a Miata until you hit the VTEC range...then watch out...the car turns into a rocket. In your experience, do you feel the same?

jelliotlevy

Originally posted by Nox


Now the S2000 has 153@7,000...how's it around 3,000 or 4,000? This would most likely be my normal everyday driving shift zone (so I assume...I haven't driven one remember)......

I have seen dyno torque curves for the S2000. Torque is pretty flat at around 135 lb-ft from about 3000 up to 5900,which equates to slightly more than 150 hp at 5900 rpm - this is approximately in the Miata class.
But, right at 5900 or so, some very magical sh*t happens, as the VTEC solenoid pulls a lever which actuates the high lift cam follower. The torque suddenly jumps to essentially 153 lb-ft, reaching a peak of exactly 153 lb-ft at 7500 rpm. You get the peak hp of 240 at 8300 rpm, corresponding to a torque of 152 lb-ft. But after 8300 rpm, the torque curve drops off somewhat quickly. It is about 132 lb-ft, representing about 224 hp at 8900, when the rev limiter hits.
The end effect is that the engine very definitely has a split personality - it is very vanilla flavored and highly tractable if you stay at the lower rpm's, and feels totally different once the VTEC solenoid actuates. It is the subject of considerable debate here on this forum, but most agree that you feel a definite (and highly exciting) 'kick' as you cross the rpm threshold at which the VTEC solenoid does its thing.

dlq04

IMO, simply put, the S2000 behaves like a race car; whereas the Miata behaves like a traditional sports car. When you start pushing the S2000 it requires a finer touch and greater degree of concentration with less room for error. In normal day-to-day driving you can appreciate the VETC response and sticky tires without getting yourself into any trouble.

Cavok

In just a few words.
In the S2K you have 2 engines in one! The first one works from 1000rpm and 6000rpm. It is a good engine roadster sports car! Not an incredible one, but it is a good one!
After 6000rpm (where all the major engines are ready to blow or cut in the redline), you have a new engine;
New torque, new sound (and what an amazing sound!), new Engine.
After 6000rpm you could watch your face in mirrors with an ear to ear smile. Its like a rocket. But i am sure that you are going to love, fell your backs against the seat in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear!!!

Hugs from the Portuguese S2000 maniac

BDMonk

Stay away from 1,000 rpm's in the S2000. From the way the engine sounds and the vibrations sent through the car, the S2000 definitely doesn't like low rpm's. Also, if you look at the suggested shift points from the owner's manual, Honda is definitely suggesting more rpm's. I try to keep the engine at or near a vibration-free 3,000 rpm's in steady-state cruising.

cabrio92

Hello,

Cavok, you think the same ! Really two motors like a rocket with two "floors". It's not in first or second gear that I see a big difference with others cars but in the third,and 4th ! I have impression that it is the same thing in third and fourth !

I think that it is difficult to drive at less than 2'000 rpm. But look this :
80 to 120 km/h in 5th = 8"
80 to 120 km/h in 6th = <11"

It's terrific for a car with max torque at 7500 rpm !

Bye
Philippe