A new guy here doing some research on which variety of S2000 to get: 00-03 or 04+

I'm still in the research phase and trying to figure out this most interesting machine before I get serious about test driving them. The '04+'s have the higher displacement engine with power delivery that is more linear and moved down the tac to make the car more drivable on the road. This is appealing to me but to do so that sexy, stratospheric redline has dropped significatly and I'm trying to figure out if the trade off is worth it? Plus the newer '04's will typically command a higher price since they're newer, too.

I've heard that in the earlier S2000's, the 00-03 years, that there is a significantly noticable push or shove when the VTEC kicks in around 6000 rpm. It seems like it would be exhilerating in a straight line but is this a problem if you're going through a turn and you suddenly get a huge surge in power from the engine? Does this situation make it easier to spin the car (not something I'm interested in doing).

Just how big of a deal is the VTEC push in the older S2000's? How difficult is it to work with. Is it comparable to the kick you'd get on, say, an Evo 8 when the turbo spools up? More? Less? Or do you just keep the RPM's in the power band, within the VTEC range and just run the snot out of the older cars when you want to have fun?

Your opinions and impressions on the severity of the VTEC push on the older S2000's is much appreciated. Hopefully people here can chime in with their thoughts.

Thanks guys.

 

Well, the VTEC "push" is quite noticable, especially if you are not used to it. I would say that it is somewhat like the spooling of a turbo. It is very enjoyable, and one of the reasons why I have an '02 instead of an '05. Another is the extra 1,000 rpm. For me, the '02 is better, for you, god knows. Why don't you give both of them a nice test drive and you'll find out.

 

I'd say try and take one for a test drive and see for yourself.

 

Spooling to about 3psi.

 

Why not buy one of each?

And where does everyone keep getting 1000RPM from ???? 8900-8300=600
At least that's where the REV limits on my 2000 and 2004 were and are.
I think the VTEC push is quite noticable in the 04+ models as well, about 80-90% of what I felt in the 00 (just my subjective butt dyno), and on some dyno plots I've seen, the HP and torque increase at VTEC is almost exactly the same. I wouldn't describe the push as 'SEVERE' , just spirited. If you're running so close to the limits that the addl. horsepower of VTEC pitches you off the road you need to be on a track anyway, and if you're on a track, you're ALREADY in VTEC.. anyway, I'm rambling..


Just drive em both, you're the 1 who'll be living with the car.

 

Only once have I had an issue with the VTEC kick causing the car to begin to spin. I was definitely taking a tight turn irresponsibly when I hit 6000RPMS in first. The car oversteered real hard, however I was able to correct without much of an issue.

It's not as gradual as a turbo spool. Doesn't feel like my turbo car did.

 

I notice it most in 2nd and 3rd when I have it floored on the entrance ramp to the highway - feels good! I have always taken care to stay out of vtec on off ramps and other sharp curves, so I've never felt it skid.
I felt a slight sideways twitch a couple of times in colder weather (temps in the high 40s) when hitting vtec at full throttle on the highway.

 

correct me if i'm wrong, but you don't accelerate in a turn, you brake right before, and you accelerate after you've made the turn. So technically its not a issue, if your reving high enough in a turn to kick-off the vtec, then you deserve to spin-out.

But seriously, i love the vtec, cause around the city driving, you keep it below 5.5k and when your "having fun" you punch it!

 

You can accelerate as you're turning to manipulate oversteer/understeer.

 

You should be down to an appropriate speed and gear "before" entering the turn. You then hold relatively steady or "very" lightly accelerate to the apex of the turn and then accelerate from there out the exit of the turn.

I can say that VTEC is "very" noticeable on my '04 model. Particularly in the lower three gears but you generally have to be at full throttle to get the full effect. If you're not at WOT, and you don't have to be that far below it, the transition effect isn't nearly as noticeable. Once you're attuned to the car, you'll be able to feel that the engine is breathing easier but the perceived power difference won't be as great. Personally, I'd say that anyone who's lost control of their S2000 in mid turn because of the VTEC transition was really pushing the limits anyway. No offense intended to anyone, it's JMO!

Drive Safe,
Steve R.