Hello all, new to the forum and S2K platform. Looking at this turbo AP2 on marketplace, want to hear your opinion on how reliable is the turbo engines, what to look for/what to ask. What r some of the maintenance for these set up. Not going to daily, but still want some reliability. Thanks in advance.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EYUe4UEhi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

 

Is there any history on the mechanic/shop that added the turbo? How long has it been in the car? Has it been raced?

Thanks!

 

Per the owner, it’s been on for couple years and not done by a shop.

 

Will you be able to change titles without reverting it to stock?

 

I am not sure. Will check out the car up coming weekend, I think it’s possible to reverting it to stock. Is there a concern to keep it turbocharged.

 

I can tell you the design weak points and cons of a turbo S2000, but there are LOTS more pros than cons.

At 400 hp:

-Drivetrain:

Transmission- It should be OK, but don’t clutch dump it. The diffs are the weakest link. There’s a $500 fix if you want to safeguard it.

Second gear- OK up to 450 or so. It can handle more, but second is usually what goes as the hp increases beyond 450.

Engine internals- Well proven take more than that car is making.

Axles- Mostly ok but can break. Never get cheap aftermarket axles for replacements. They almost always make the car shudder. There are companies that make 500 hp and up axles. If the car shudders when under acceleration this would be the issue. It’s an easy fix.

Engine bay- Heat can be an issue. If the car has lots of time with the kit then the prior owner likely already addressed this.

I would suggest insisting on a leak down test prior to buying it.

I just looked at the ad pics. It’s well heat wrapped.
I would ask the seller when the pics were taken. One of the pics has a laptop with tuning software open. I’d want to be sure it’s not for sale after it acted up and they tried to retune it (devils advocate).

If you need info on axles or the diff upgrade just pm me. I can point you in the right direction.

Lastly, I’d want to know who made the header.

 

Thanks for the great info. I’ll reach out if I decide to purchase this one. Current owner stated it’s on E85 right now, so 500HP according to the ad. I am bit worried about the trans and everything after that since no parts listed from that point on. Did see the laptop and want to see how it drives. Hoping for smooth drive through all gears include idle. I did ask if there has been a compression test recently, he replied no, I’ll make sure I’ll have that before purchase. One last thing to mention, there was a ad for this car from same seller 11 months ago and showed “pending”, maybe he forgot to delete it, but that is not a good sign to me, lol

 

The most important question is...how mechanically inclined are you, and/or do you already have a known, trustworthy source to work on a heavily modified S2000?

 

great question. If it’s stock, I’m comfortable working on most of the car, mechanically, working on a turbocharged car should still be ok for the most part, but running is not something I’m familiar or comfortable with. There are couple specialist near me, but would appreciate if anyone know a good S2K specialist in DFW area.

 

I imagine this car would be very fun to drive!

According to the listing the car has been on Facebook for 11 weeks which tells me it's grossly overpriced or the condition is not as described. Questionable is the kind word. Or folks are rightly concerned about the reliability of a non-factory turbocharged 20-year old car with an engine that seldom survives a rebuild.

Since no one is buying it take your time. Got a spare $30,000? If it was the buy on the century it would have sold 11 weeks ago...

-- Chuck