I'm very close to working out a deal with the owner of a 2002 NFR with 57k miles. I'm not very mechanically savvy, so here is my question:

If I have a compression test done and the results look promising does that mean I'm in the clear of any potential cracked valve retainers? If not, how can you buy an AP1 and still sleep at night? Is there anything in particular I should have the mechanic look for/at?

The car runs smoothly and looks like it's in amazing condition, but I'm trying to figure out how to make sure the engine is in good shape before pulling the trigger. Thank you so very much for any and all tips!

 

A great check list for buying an S2000:
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/775...-a-used-s2000/

More specific answers to your technical question are probably best found in the Under The Hood sub-forum.

 

Guessing car is not being purchased from original owner. Does the current owner know if the retainers were replaced? Cannot answer your specific question about compression testing re: retainers, but I had my '02 AP1 valve retainers replaced with AP2 retainers [intake side only]. Exhaust side was left alone. The valve retainers taken out were in perfect condition, i.e., not cracked at all. I purchased AP1 with 35,000 miles within the last year and did not know the prior driving history. So, I had the retainers replaced for peace of mind. In SE NC the cost was $430, which included all OEM parts, valve adjustment and new spark plugs. Hope this gives you some reference if you want to have the retainers replaced.

 

My AP1 had 55k miles on it when I bought it. I drove out to have Billman service it with his TCT and valve adjustment..etc....
Was going to have him replace retainers but quick inspection by him and they were perfect..... Don't waste your money.... have them inspected and only change if an issue.

Not sure if this point has been raised before, but how do we know if Ap2 retainers can survive mechanical over revs? I mean if someone knows their AP1 retainers are perfect after buying a used S2000 and is mindful not to over rev... how is that any different than an Ap1 with replaced AP2 retainers who owner is just as mindful not to over rev......

Point being that at end of day you just need to know if retainers are intact to have same peace of mind.... No???

 

AP2 retailers are different in composition and much stronger. Many many threads on this subject ..

 

I read them in past and worried until I had my retainers inspected by Billman. No cracks in mine so no need to worry. My question is has anyone tested AP2 retainers with mechanical overrevs?
Or does everyone just assume they are immune to cracking?

 

Piston-to-valve contact occurs before AP2 retainers crack. Bill has verified this, not sure if any forum members cars were involved though...

 

Moving this to UTH...more appropriate there.

 

Compression test will not tell anything about the condition of the retainers. Broken retainers show 0 symptoms even when real bad. Visual inspection is the only way to determine their condition.

Leakdown is best to determine engine health.