Just bought my new S2000!!!

Hello to all the S2kis. I just got back from the dealer and had to post my big news. After months of thinking about used 'Vettes and M Roadsters, second hand Boxsters and even a new Miata I settled on the S2000 and just plunked down my deposit on a Suzuka blue 2002. In the end, I got the BEST deal on the Honda. The year end sale brought the price of a new 2002 down to what people (and dealers) are asking for one and two year olds with 20000 miles. Also, the dealer gave me the highest trade allowance of any manufacturer by $1,000!

Although I only just joined the site as a member, I have been reading the posts in the various forums for over a month, gaining valuable insights into s2k ownership. I want to thank you for all the information. I have found this site to be very thoughtful and the members to be very honest; revealing limitations and down sides as well as talking up the good points of their cars.

I brought home the owner's manual and I take delivery on Friday. I told the dealer not to wax or buff the car, just wash it. (I hate the swirl marks those buffers leave).

My first question to the group is what break in period do you recommend and at what RPMs? The dealer gave me some vague advice about not worrying about it, but take it easy for a while. I'm hoping the manual is a little more precise.

My second question is, do you have any advice for a new owner on anything that should be done to a new s2k? I have read one or two posts about having the alignment checked. Is the dealer competent to do this? I live in the Boston area and the dealer is Cambridge Honda, who I have never dealt with before, but so far they seem honest. Anyway, it is great to join the club. Thanks again for all your help.

 

"none of the above"

Oil Filter change only at 1875 miles.
Conventional Oil change and filter 3750 miles.
Changing to synthetic at 7500 miles.

Search the forum for "delivery checklist". Having the alignment checked sounds strange...

Enjoy your car, hope you sleep better than I did when waiting for delivery

 

First I want to welcome you to the forum. As you'll find soon enough, most of everyone on here is willing to help eachother out so please ask anything about the car that is on your mind. The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked. as for your questions:


Question one: The Manual says break in period 600 miles, basically nothing above 5800 rpm (Vtec engagement point). I did this on my first engine and dynoed at about 190.8 hp to the wheels. I'm on my seocond engine and I waited till about 1200 miles before I vteced the car for the first time. I haven;t dynoed this new engine yet but it feel SIGNIFICANTLY stronger than the first one.

Question two: Have the dealer make sure that they remove the spring spacers, other than unless you are into modifying your cars, just start her up and drive!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Destiny2002
[B]"none of the above"

Oil Filter change only at 1875 miles.
Conventional Oil change and filter 3750 miles.
Changing to synthetic at 7500 miles.

Search the forum for "delivery checklist".

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I don't think I'll sleep much. The alignment thing comes from comments on the racing and autocross forum. Some members complain about oversteer and are told to have the alignment checked because "they don't always come correct." Who knows?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by baxdatass

I don't know if I agree with this advice only because the S2000 comes with a special break in oil from the factory that you want to leave in the engine for the entire first oil change period

 

Legal Bill

First of all, congrats, welcome, enjoy. Let the adventure begin.

Most of what I read and have heard is that the first oil change should be at 3750 if the car is driven under harsh conditions and 7000 if driven under normal conditions. Almost everything qualifies as harsh conditions so you should plan on changing oil at 3750 miles. Do not use synthetic oil until 10,000 miles. For the first 7500 to 10,000 miles you should expect the car to consume some oil and you should check the oil level with every gas fill up at least.

For the first 600 miles do not let your revs go above 5,000. I know that the temptation to VTEC is great, but keep the revs down. Your engine will thank you in the long run.

I run my tires at 34 p.s.i. cold. I like the ride and the handling. You can use anywhere from 32 to 35 lbs. You might want to experiment.

Read your owners manual. Read it a second time.

You can get a lot of good information on this board. Don't be afraid to ask.

Have fun and try to get some sleep until delivery.

 

I would not even let them wash it. Do it yourself, no one will ever treat the car the way you will. And this way you get 0 swirl marks.

The first thing you should buy for your new baby is Zaino (www.ZainoBros.com) and the second should be 303 protectant (www.ProperCarCare.com) and a few 100% cotton Cannon towels. This will handle the bulk of "Cleaning"

Break-in
Keep the RPMs under 5k for the first 600 miles. Check the oil with every "fill up" It can go through as much as a quart between fill ups during the break in peirod. The manual will cover these things in detail.

Dealer Competance
He was Vague about the break in right? Get my point. But this is the sales side of the dealer. Get to know the service manager and service techs. Thesee will be the guys you will be seeing from now on. I would have the dealer check the alignment instead of washing it. Since they have it up in the air to pull the spring spacers out anyway, have them do this.

These are the things I wish I had done/known when I got mine.

 

Thanks for all this great advice. One of my concerns is the occasional reference to the number 4 cylinder problem. Has the reason been determined? I assume a new engine is the cure??? Do the dealers rebuild the old engine when this happens?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Legal Bill
[B]Thanks for all this great advice.