After owning my s2k for all of 2 days, the crank thrust washers failed resulting in massive crank walk and ruined the bottom end. Got another engine, had it fitted, had a new clutch fitted. 1 day later, front calipers start sticking. Had new calipers, discs and pads fitted today. And NOW I've noticed a slight mechanical "whirring" sound when the engine is idling with the clutch out. When the clutch is pressed, the sound fades away.
Having researched this, there was a conflict of opinion between dismissing the noise seeing as the s2k itself is a naturally noisy car, mechanically speaking, and possibly needing the input shaft bearing replaced.
SO! my main question is:
If it IS the input shaft bearing, how important is it to get replaced? How long will the car last if it isn't replaced? Could it just be my new clutch wearing in?
Some people report the same problem but state they have carried on driving the car because they believe it to be a standard noise. The car has cost me a fortune so far and I'd rather avoid a gear box strip down if I can!!!
Thanks for reading the essay. Help!

 

Yes it's all the bearings and gears you're hearing. I've heard it on all three of my s2ks. Just monitor the noise. If it starts getting louder you have a bearing on its way out. It happened on my AP1 and it was pretty obvious over about a year and 20k miles. If you have an AP1 it's a great time to upgrade to the AP2 trans.

 

This does sound gear rattle or clatter

It sounds louder if the foam insulation ring around the shift lever, which is under the console cover, has deteriorated. Or again under the console, if the lower shift boot is loose or torn. This is the heavy "rubber" boot that attaches directly to the body, not the light cosmetic boot that attaches to the console cover.

 

Thanks guys,
I'll be checking the foam ring as I've read on another thread of a similar problem which was solved by this!
MP2k thanks for a little peace of mind, I'll definitely be monitoring the noise, at the moment it's only just audible if you concentrate on trying to hear it, I could just be over panicking after the problems I've had!
Thanks again

 

The insulation ring seems light, but makes a difference. And I forgot that there are actually 3 total boots.

parts 12(foam ring), 5(boot) and 6(another boot)

Without these parts to block sound, there is jsut a big square hole in the floor.

The third boot is the cosmetic one on the console. Not pictured on this link.