HoondaS2k

I've been searching and reading and more searching and reading trying to inform myself as much as I can. I'm hoping those far more experienced and knowledgeable about the S2000 can throw in some ideas or suggestions.

Car/motor details
2001 ap1 owned for 2 years
Completely stock except for exhaust and coilovers
138k miles

About a month ago the motor seized. Again, I'm not very good with mechanical stuff but my best understanding is it met main knock. Spun a main bearing and seized, potentially due to excessive revving. Mechanic pulled it apart and is going to be doing a full rebuild. Crankshaft is being sent for grinding/micropolish/welding/balancing etc. Going to line bore the cylinder block. Connecting rod bearing set (green). Head gaskets, timing chain and tensioner, rear main seal, valve seal, piston ring...

Since the motor is out and I'm not in much of a rush to get it back in (although I greatly miss my S2k) what else should I be looking at doing? What parts should I rebuild it with to help make it as solid as I can? Looking at ballad TCT got me wondering what else should I go aftermarket on.

Also, since it's out, any other things I should be inspecting/changing/upgrading to? Clutch, flywheel, motor mounts, drive shaft, injectors, fuel rail, coil packs, banjo bolts..... Suggestions on which ones to go with if I do stray from just oem?

Figure nows my time to do it right. But I'm not entirely sure what the "best right" is.

Thanks in advance!

Billman250

For a new engine build, this is the best advice you are going to get...

Use 100% oem parts.

Car Analogy

I sadly predict this will not end well. You'll spend a lot, and have a motor that I'd be shocked if it lasts 20k miles.

Many have attempted to do what you are doing, few if any have succeeded. I've never heard of anyone successfully rebuilding one of these motors that wasn't an S2000 specialist rebuilder. Not saying its never been done, just that its so rare I don't know of any examples.

But there are plenty of examples of such attempts, even by very qualified mechanics that have successfully built many other motors, resulting in expensive failures.

This is a case where the mechanics experience will work against him. He'll assume he can pull this off. If you tell him about this warning, and the other similar posts that will follow, he'll likely insist he knows what he's doing. This is misguided.

These motors are notoriously difficult to rebuild. The plan outlined already has serious flaws. So its clear this guy doesn't have the knowledge required to rebuild this motor.

My advice is to stop now will you still can. Either buy a decent used motor, or send it to someplace that can do the rebuild successfully.

nipponS2000

Agree 100%.These FRM cylinders are almost impossible to hone as they should be and the motor is going to end sized again....So think twice before you start something so expensive and painful

rmerchant3

If you are going to do this, I suggest you install sleeves to get past the frm trickyness and to open up your piston options. I happen to have a new set of flanged Darton dry sleeves if you are interested. PM me.

Say Chi Sin Lo

I went out and hugged my F20C after reading your post.

Charper732

Ive rebuilt quite a few f20/22s and they are all still going strong. What was said above is very true. Any time I have cylinders honed or sleeved, its done by inlinepro. Mains can warp by installation of sleeves and most machine shops dont even have a deck plate for the F series or a line bore to fixed warped mains.

You said your mechanic was going to machine the crank? Ive had several cranks machined by local machine shops, thats no big deal. But I have never seen a crank survive getting seized. Turning a crank .010" is not a big deal. Turning it .020" you'll find bearing selection is sparse. .030" is not doable.

rpg51

I agree with this. The s2k is unique and rebuild efforts, even by experienced and competent mechanics who have rebuilt many other motors successfully, generally fail. Best to find a good used motor. I am an aged and retired back yard mechanic. I have rebuilt three motors in my life. I would not do what you are planning to do here if I were in your shoes. I would find the best used motor I could find and swap it in.

outeiroj

i can attest that inlinepro seems to be the only reliable way to go when it comes to rebuilding my f24 is performing like a champ

Biccins

I am currently in the process of rebuilding my f22c with OEM parts. Odds are against me, but I'm learning and having a great time doing it. We'll see if my story becomes yet another cautionary tale.