What a fun car, but usefullness?
 

I bought a one owner S2000, 2006, with about 106,000 miles on it a number of months ago. Fairly neglected in terms of maintenance so its taken me a while bring it up to its former glory. One owner. Still need som tweeks but nice car. I come from and still own several Miatas.

I've gotten some excellent information on how to actually drive it, rpms, repairs, etc. No issues there. So, after all this time of waiting on parts, installing, bringing things back to stock, I was finally able to get it on the highway. I should set the stage in that the town I live in, in the southeast, the speed limits are anywhere from 35 to 50 with, of course, enforcement. Lots of retirees and elderly driving around in their SUV's and grocery getters.
I got it on the highway today and preparing to have fun entering on the long entrance ramp, I immediately came across police presence on the right and a massive traffic jam on the highway...5 miles, 45 minutes. Best laid plans of mice and men...

Ok, the return trip was also a bit rough, but I found some open stretches. So, here's the question. To really get up beyond 6k rpm and get that VTEC to come into play, I have to upshift to fifth and then of course nail it. That brings me to about a higher than imposed MPH and higher. How do I have fun in this car...or better said, how do I get the enjoyment out of the car if I'm leery about breaking the speed limit, which I would, of course, never do. How is this car driven with maximum enjoyment staying out of the sights of the local constabulary. How do I wring the best out of the car and have fun with it? Definitely not at 35 or 45 mph.

So...what am I missing??? Track time, autocross and then drive this wonderful piece of Honda engineering the rest of the time very "conservatively"?

Where in the southeast. Live along the Gulf Coast. Best to stay off 4-lane roads and highways. Check out the two lane roads and find a route drive it at different times and days. You will found out the best times to drive it aggressively. With the 06 please get a valve job done to check out the exhaust valves tighten up. Enjoy your new ride and welcome to the S2K community.

In South Carolina. I think a radar detector in conjunction with Waze would be good insruance. The 2 lanes here usually have some falling down town with 35mph and speed/tax collectors standing by. I'll find some open areas!
It was really running bad....did the valves, now everything is better. I'm still planning on a leak down test for peace of mind.
I've been wondering about that "Billman" piece...for the timing chain maybe? Preventive maintenance in regard to that piece?

RADAR detector. Autocross. come join us at the dragon.
darcy

Thank you, been to the Dragon with my Miata with a group. Really good fun as well as the Cherohala parkway, the Back of the Dragon, etc.!

I will have to keep an eye out for the info when the Dragon will be scheduled!

I enjoy the car within speed limits. Its not a straight line car anyway.

The road is shared with other people in cars, biking, walking, etc. Zooming around is reckless and dangerous for those other folks, let alone yourself.

In Scotland there are many motorway areas where I can get to 110mph as visibility ahead is sufficient to spot ACAB & no radar traps.
My problem is more do I have the balls to go even faster- NO lol

Dual personality, Dr Jekyll, Mr Hondaaaa!

Below vtec, makes a fun, top down cruiser. An enjoyment realm you're already familiar with owning other sportscars, Miatas.

But when road opens up, winding country road, it opens a whole other dimension of fun.

Its not fun when you're eager to explore one personality, but conditions force you into the other. We grow as a person when we can be content with the situation we have. Mentally switch to cruise mode. When conditions change, have fun!

I love mine in pretty much any situation.

Commuting, road trips, grocery runs, night ripping, whatever. I can't get enough. I find any excuse to drive it as much as possible.

Its engaging to drive even during mundane situations. For me, feeling connected and engaged (even if I'm just putzing in traffic) is most enjoyable part...but I'm probably a weirdo. Everyone else my age wants some sort of land yacht that drives itself.

If you want to wring it out at lower speeds, just keep it in a lower gear.

You can enjoy 9k rpm in every gear ;) so you dont have to be running 100mph to wring it out.

I am with B Serious here. I enjoy the connected feeling and the way it drives and handles. I use mine a lot on track but I still enjoy it the same on the street too. I mean, it is light, nimble, handles well, revs high and is a convertible. Just all in all fun to drive. Still pulls harder than a Miata (especially an NA - ND1) and IMO is way better to drive on the street. I have autocrossed all versions of the Miata through the ND1, spending 2 seasons co driving an ND1 in STR. They are lighter and more nimble and great cars, but much less powerful. Also much less roomy and at least to me, less fun overall to drive than an S2k. If I want to win STR I will pick an ND2, if I want a car I enjoy to drive more, especially on the street or on a track, the S2k is it hands down.