Hello everyone!

I've been using these forums for a long time, but never needed to post - so taking the leap now.

I have a 2003 S2000 with around 90K miles. Its only been driven intermittently over the last 6-8 years (<1000 miles per year). Looking to get it tuned up or at least checked out to see what might need to be done from sitting for so long. I know it needs a new top and the timing belt tensioner is making a clicking noise again - but just unsure if anything else is in need of some attention. It drives wonderfully and starts right up without issue.

I live in the Raleigh NC area and I am looking for recommendations for:
Someone to install a new top
Recommendations for either seat replacements or repair
Someone/Someplace (maybe Honda Dealership??) to check it out and tune up anything that may be needed
Timing Belt Tensioner - is there a better non OEM option for this? I fee like it goes bad only months after being replaced each time.

Really appreciate any recommendations or assistance!

 

Is the tensioner for the timing chain?

Or the serpentine belt?

Timing chain: PM @Billman250 to get a Billman motion one

Serpentine belt: Ive had good luck with Gates tensioner and Bando belt...but OEM is best.

A good upholstery shop can take care of the top and seats.

The car is coming up on needing spark plugs. Maybe a valve adjustment. Find a shop that specialises in S2000's. Not a Honda dealer.

A brake and coolant flush is a good idea too.

Hopefully all your other fluids (trans/oil/diff) have been changed regularly up to now.

Otherwise, only repair whats broken.

 

The Carolinas section (https://www.s2ki.com/forums/carolinas-48/) might be a good place to ask for local shop/mechanic recommendations. Best of luck!

 

Do not, I repeat, do not, under any circumstances bring this car to a dealership. One way ticket to expensive, botched repairs. Followed by denial and blaming you for them damaging your car.

Buy a billman tensioner. An upgraded oem based product. Lifetime guarantee.

Post in local forum to find shop that is familiar with these cars.

 

Thanks all for the feedback! I will PM Billman250 and also look into that local link! I really appreciate it!

 

1. It's vital to find an experienced, expert to install a new roof. The roof will leak and fill the trunk with water if incorrectly installed. The Robbins cloth roof fits the car perfectly if installed properly. Search the forum periodically for a "group install" of the roof. Last year I drove up to DC to get my roof installed by @2poor2mod who came down from New Jersey to do four of our cars.

2. There are nice seat covers available but unless your interior is Black there can be color matching issues. Several threads on this.

3. No such thing as a "tune up" these days as the ECU handles fueling, etc.. Recommend checking your valve clearances and new spark plugs which is about all you can do. Fit new gaskets. I assume you're keeping up on the preventive maintenance and changing the engine, gearbox, and differential oil per the schedule. Brake and clutch hydraulics need to be changed every few years too. Filters including the cabin air filter.

4. Billman Timing Chain Tensioner would have saved your periodic OEM replacements. Not too late and you know how to change it. You must use the bolts he provides and you must NOT use them to pull the TCT onto the block.

It's an article of faith here to avoid a Honda dealer other than buying parts.

Tires age out after 6 or 7 years despite low miles. If you're only driving a couple thousand miles a year get Extreme Performance Summer tires for maximum handling (and fun) as they'll age out about the same time you wear them out. Only 10,000 miles on a set of tires seems shocking but that's all you need.

-- Chuck

 

I have 70k miles on my AP1 Honda S2000 Roadster, would you recommend I change the tensioner on this high performance vehicle?

 

Put the Billman TCT in the engine as preventive maintenance.

OEM serpentine belt is recommended -- check the wear indicator as the belt stretches in use, spin the idler bearings when the belt is off they should be silent. 5 minutues to change the belt, 10 minutes to change the TCT. Simple hand tools. Serpentine belt idler bearings are replaceable but take more effort.

-- Chuck

 

1. Someone to install a new top - ME!
2. Recommendations for either seat replacements or repair - NOT ME. Well you can do the custom seat covers but repair/re-fit no clue.
3. Someone/Someplace (maybe Honda Dealership??) to check it out and tune up anything that may be needed - ME again.
4. Timing CHAIN Tensioner - is there a better non OEM option for this? I fee like it goes bad only months after being replaced each time. - Billman250 END OF DISCUSSION. Easy to put in. Just PM him directly.

Shoot me a message privately we can hook up to talk. I live in Chapel Hill(well Pittsboro side of Jordan Lake where 64 cuts through it) So I am like 45 minutes from you.

 

I can recommend Pinky as well. He's not too far from you and can handle the soft top install and if you get one from Billman, I'm sure Pinky could install it as well.
He recently replaced the top for a friend of mine who doesn't use S2ki. Turned out great! When he asked how much I would charge him to do it I said Jim is cheaper and I would pay Jim over doing it myself again.

I don't trust many people with my car, but when I was without certain tools and a covered area to do retainers and valve stem seals Pinky did a great job & I drove from Columbia SC. Having him 45 minutes away would be a blessing!