I slid my top bolts in before I put the engine in,
also removed the alloy engine mounts brackets from engine to get it lower and rested it on the chassis brace.

 

congratulations, it's nice to finally see a happy ending to this story.

 

Got the engine installed, got it running pretty quickly without too much fuss, but realized pretty quick(15-30sec) that the engine was smoking like crazy. It was a white-ish smoke too, almost a white gray-like smoke. I did install a used exhaust system that hadn't been used for a long time, so I do wonder if it is maybe simple condensation in that because a blown headgasket seems nearly impossible for an AP2 with low mileage and extremely good compressions (270+ across the board). I didn't let the car run long enough to warm up and prove my theory right or wrong but I will keep everyone updated with how things go tomorrow. The engine DOES have about a week left of its' pathetic 14-day full warranty, so if this one has a blown headgasket it's not going to be fixed out of my pocket or on my time!

 

I believe I am destined to never drive my car again. The white smoke I was suspicious of, is exactly what I thought it would be. I was completely ripped off by a reputable company. Currently in process of taking it to Honda to be professionally diagnosed so I can report it back to the company and now I get to fight like hell for them to foot the bill for a headgasket. Lovely day!

 

once again...good luck.

 

I had an automatic email re a new post yesterday that referenced a coolant leak? Did you figure that out?

 

Get refund not fix.

 

that was a slightly lose hose, I figured that out pretty fast and moved on to the bigger problem. The car wouldn't crank or spin the proper direction because the cylinder 4 was completely flooded with coolant, can't really compress water so that was locking up the engine. Figured that out as soon as I pulled the spark plugs and it blew all over me. For reference, this engine was purchased from HYPERMOTORPARTS on eBay which is a company that seems to specialize in S2000 part outs and have 100% feedback over 11,000+ sales. I thought I was safe with them, but that is clearly not the case. I cannot believe this is happening again after all the time and money poured into the car. So far, the company is ignoring me. I am opening an eBay dispute tonight.

 

WOW, what a terrible series of crappy luck. Hope all works out for you as the S2000 is really a great joy to own when healthy.

 

eBay is very buyer friendly. I would rest assured that eBay will take care of you.