I've seen some postings online, specifically from UK owners, warning that the 08 S2ks may have had engine problems. Is there any merit to this?

 

What type of engine problems?

 

I don't fully know, that's why I posted about it. It was a general comment about the 08 engines having some issue with manufacturing which could end in catastrophic failure. It may have been BS, which is why I wanted to ask here.

 

Did you see the sticky on the top of the forum?

There's a post about too tight valve clearances on 06+ S2000's.

 

I seems I have noticed two causes that pop up concerning engine failures, in all years, and they are caused by operator error.

The first is oil starvation. This can be from failure to check the oil frequently, failure to install oil drain bolt properly, improperly torqued (by hand) oil filter, or complete failure by idiot shop personnel servicing the car.

The second is an over-rev from a missed downshift.

Don't forget Car and Driver made this engine the number one normally aspirated engine of all time.

 

I don't think this is an issue on US cars, might be late models with f20 only?
Check this thread for more info https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-irela...owners-876045/

 

Everyone is very quick to post problems and the S2000 is pretty much devoid of them.

Only 355 MY2009 cars show imported to the US and the 80 page notes linked above all refer to the 2.0 engine in a couple of cars in the UK. I did not wade thru all 80 pages. It's always been my impression that the US 2009 cars are merely left-over 2008 cars with a title change so they wouldn't be last-year's model. I've not noted any other engine problems here not caused by abuse.

-- Chuck

 

I've only read parts of that massive thread but it's certainly more than a couple of cars.
One of them had 4 engines put in a 3 year old car with 22k on the clock.

To the OP if you are in the UK and looking to buy a car I suggest you avoid the 08-09 models if you can.
It looks like you're from the US though and I don't think there's been any similar reports on cars over there.

 

There has been some issues with some 07 and 08 models that had the crank walk on them. Something about thrust washers being put on backwards. Engines seize up, and start up fine once they cool down, then the car will die and the engine seize again for good.