Hi, everybody.
I'm the owner of a RHD 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 1 RS, I've owned it for about 7 years now. I've thrown a boatload of money at it, but it's never been close to "right" as long as I've had it, and it's been on jackstands for a good portion of those years. Parts aren't cheap, nor are they easy to find in some cases. A month ago, I made a spur-the-moment decision to buy a BorgWarner EFR7670 turbo for $1000, but it made me realize that I'm further than ever from ever getting the car running. I still need a $4000 motor to support the turbo, a $3000 transmission to not strip gears from torque, and fabrication to put it all together. In the end, it would be a monster if it ever ran right, but the car has major shortcomings that I'm not sure can be overcome.

So, I had a dream a few nights ago that reminded me about S2000 ownership. I'm an avid autocrosser and S2000s are frequently at or near the top in my area; I have at least 5 friends/acquaintances who have had an S2000 in the past year (most still have them), and the twitchy AP1 handling looks fun. I drove one friend's AP1, not in anger, but enough to know it's a decently solid car. My daily is a 2008 Civic Si sedan, so Hondas aren't new to me, but I'm considering giving the Evo the boot and finally enjoying a car for once. I want something that is pleasant to drive, has a good shifter, won't cost a fortune to get the way I want, and I don't want parts that are impossible to find anymore. I'm considering giving my Evo the boot in favor of an AP1, and instead putting the EFR on that. I'm not looking for the quickest car on earth, I just want something enjoyable with a good midrange punch for making everyday driving fun. S2Ki, can you please tell me what a turbocharged AP1 is like everyday, and if you've gone from a similar turbo AWD car and had any regrets?

Cheers everybody

 

Take a peek in the forced induction forum.

 

A SC S2K will be like a stock one, turned up to 16 .

A turbo S2K will have a similar powerband as other JDM turbo cars, but won't run out of steam at 5000. It will just. keep. pulling.

 

Sounds like a good plan given the condition of the EVO, and they aren't famous for their reliability. The AWD difference vs. RWD is something you have to consider depending on what you like. I think the boosted S2000 would be equally fun and easy to get into.

 

Just like adding a supercharger to any other car.


Depends on the size of the turbo.

 

I know you from somewhere (evo123 forums perhaps)! We might even actually be facebook friends. I've got a JDM AP1 for use as a race car and also have an Evo 1 GSR. In N/a form the S2K and the Evo won't compare. The Evo weighs less, and makes the same power with more torque and AWD. But super or turbocharged, the S2000 will probably be a riot. The biggest thing to keep in mind is the RWD vs AWD thing, as others have mentioned. The Evo can be driven foot to the floor all the time and will have grip and control. The S2000, especially boosted... not so much. But you would have a more modern vehicle with a more accessible aftermarket and Honda reliability. I know our Evos are hard to find parts for, so I can totally understand the desire for something that in most cases you can still drive down to the dealer and order parts for.

 

An Evo does not weigh less than an S2000, and they are not the same power; the 0-60 time with good drivers is within a half a second, and the quarter mile is too, stock for stock; of course the Evo will respond to and be faster with bolt ons, but add boost to the S and properly tune it and a bolt-on Evo won't touch it. I speak from experience...

 

I didn't realize that you were speaking of a first gen evolution; I may be wrong on the curb weight and power in that case, as I was talking about a 8/9...

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsub...on#Evolution_I

Mitsubishi Evo 1 (CD9A Chassis) in RS spec weighs roughly 2600 lbs without driver. Power wise it's pushing 240hp and 225-ish ft/lbs, and I ran 13.9 1/4 mile in my stock Evo 1 with an "ok" 60' time. An Evo VIII and newer is yeah, much heavier.

According to Wikipedia, the S2000 weighs 2750-ish dry, with 240-250 hp and 140-ish ft/lbs torque, and according to some topics on here people might get a low 14s 1/4 mile time with decent tires and a good run.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_...2.80.932003.29

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/958...14-mile-times/

 

The purity of a s2k is its strong point. Pure performance driving perfection. If the only way you would take an s2k is boosted with 16psi, then I would suggest looking at other cars first. Something with more power stock. A c6 may do the trick. Also, try the z cars and maybe an fd.

Sounds like either way you are done with the evo. You know when it's time. Good luck with your new car search.