I'm on the edge of jumping into an S2000. I've decided used is the way to go and have located both a 2002 with 2K miles and a 2001 with 4.5K miles that meet my color/interior (and financial) wishes. I had thought the 2001 to be a better buy until I started reading threads here mentioning "better bolts" in newer motors.

...what's up with the "better bolts". What's breaking? Are we talking about con-rod fasteners? head bolts? crank journal bolts? Should I be concerned about a 2001 vs a 2002?

Get me up to speed.

 

Banjo bolts otherwise known as Composite oil bolts.

They spray oil onto the underside of the piston. The old ones didn't keep the oil flow fast enough for sustained high RPM driving (7000rpm+ for over 30 minutes)

 

If the engine number is 1025386 or higher, the new bolts should be on the engine. Number is on the right side of the engine, looking at the engine from the front of the car.

 

Sense the new oil bolts are not too difficult or expensive to install, I wouldn't make my decision based on them. I think the decision should be based more on the glass rear window and interior upgrades.

 

Are these bolts a recall item?

 

Only in Europe. In N. America, they are not deemed as an imperative retrofit. Honda has not even made mention of this issue. Some owners have taken it upon themselves to have the new bolts put in at their own expense.

 

i just bought a MY02 and noticed that my engine number is lower than wat is specified in this thread. shud i worry about getting this fixed somehow? or am i in the clear

 

Probably in Europe. But not in Malta.

 

i was just skeptical because there was a post stating some members here had it done on their own expense. just a little worried because i picked up a used car.