[QUOTE]Originally posted by S20004ME_PDX
[B]I just got one done at 36K.. and all of valves were too tight.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2K_LA
[B]Every 7K religiously. Mostly with synthetic blend.

 

Correct! That is a bit long for a synblend in a high revving engine like the S2000 has.

Synblends are a rip-off - you can almost always do better by adding a quart of regular synoil to X quarts of mineral oil - stick with the same mfr though.

 

Is it usually ok to get this done at the dealer? Are you guys finding these differences because you are taking your time doing the adjustment, and if so, do you think it is ok to pay someone to do it? I've never done anything like this before and would be affraid to try it without someone walking me through it, so I would just pay the $50 or whatever it costs to get it done professionaly. But again, is there pretty much nothing to worry about when having the dealer do it, or is this a big no no? Just wondering. BTW, only have 23K miles, and she's a '00.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by baldy74
[B]Is it usually ok to get this done at the dealer?

 

On another rant...

The "specs" for the valve clearance leave a 20% gap in adjustment (i.e. .008"-.010"). If some valve clearances are at the upper end of the spec (.010"), and others are at the lower end of the spec (.008"), any mechanic is going to button it up, and call it good. If you do it yourself, you can take the time to get them all the same, which gives you a smoother idle, and potentially more power.

Since the regular service interval is 100K miles for valve clearance, Honda specifies a larger than necessary clearance, which reduces total lift and duration (less power). If you are willing to adjust your valves more often, you can go with lower clearances (more lift and duration -- more power).

Not that I "recommend" it, but I have my intake and exhaust valves set to .001" below spec. That is about a 10% reduction in clearance. This might increase lift and duration by 1-2%, but that is significant in my book. Of course, I have adjusted my valves 4 times in 30K miles...

Mileage may vary, but I have consistently dyno'ed at the top (amongst N/A) when my local S2000 club members have gotten together for dyno days.

 

Looked back at the pictures. Regardless of the lighting, you can use the outside of the engine as a reference and see the difference.

 

Well said Gernby. That was the consensus we made also. We could do it ourselves and put some TLC into it. The dealership would just check them for spec and move on.

We had a helms manual, a great set of tools, a torque wrench, and a good attitude!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gernby
[B]

Where did you measure the clearances?

 

I take care of all my routine maintainence. Whick includes: engine, diff, and trans oil changes, brakes.

When the time comes for a valve adjustment I will, with the help of my Helm manual, do it myself.