Hey guys, Mike here. Had a questions for all of you experienced s2000 owners/techs. I just purchased a 2001 Honda s2000 with 79,000 miles. I got a great deal on the car because the motor has a knock. Paid for an ASE "certified mechanic" come over when i first bought it to diagnose what the "knock" was. After starting the motor and hearing it, he stated that it sounded like a bad main bearing and possibly a ground cam lobe. Now i'm a little mechanical but by no means a tech. After a little research in my local community (Portland Oregon) i have found that the first generation ap1 motors are less than reliable? I was told that these ap1 motors should not be rebuilt because of the finish on the cylinder walls? I really want to completely remodel this s2k, but don't know which route to go? Any help or guidence would be awesome! If you were in my shoes, would you replace with a second gen ap2 motor or rebuild the ap1? I don't need tons of power, this is my second s2k and they are monsters at oem standards. This one came with an aluminum radiator, headers, k&n intake, fuel management?, and cat back 5zigen duals. Any information would be great! thanks fellow s2k enthusiasts!

 

What fuel management do you have? That's more so a curious question. If you're not looking to build the bottom end (pistons, rods), I'd look at an OEM motor. I would probably give the AP2 a nod over the AP1 based solely on being able to find the 2.2 with lower mileage than the like 2.0. The 2.2 only has a valvetrain nod over the 2.0, but that can be remedied quickly. These motors dislike being run low on oil and that is the nail in the coffin on reliability. I'd at the very least buy a shortblock and swap your existing head on. If not, pick up an entire longblock and swap the missing parts over. I hope that made sense.

 

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I don't think "less than reliable" is a very accurate statement. These cars are beat on everyday, guys are running F/I on fully stock blocks with no issues.

 

I have just started pulling the motor, so I haven't opened it up to see what is all damaged.. Fact is, im a growing enthusiast of these cars and this is my second s2k. However, im an amateur with these cars at best. Just joined s2ki in hopes of some opinions on which route to go. So on top of the motor issues, ill be looking for insight on color options, wheel and tire dimensions, ect.. So please do bare with me in my knowledge or lack there of.. :-/

 

The knowledge you can gain on this forum is insurmountable so you're in the right place

 

That's what i keep hearing but getting only a couple reply's, i'll get the hang of the site. Anybody sees any complete ap1 long blocks for sale at a decent price please let me know! Thanks in advance!

 

I don't know if i have an aftermarket fuel management or not? Under the hood is a sticker, FIPK fuel injection performance kit. I think it is just the sticker for the CAI though. In the process of learning how to notify if an injector upgrade has been done.. Lots of unknowns right now but on the right track of replacing the block i hope. Soon enough it'll be back on the road. I'll be posting threads of the build once i find out how haha. Thanks for your time and insight!

 

The FIPK is a K&N intake setup. If you haven't seen any wiring or suspected changes, it very likely is stock.

 

these motors aren't that bad look at this thread https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/749...s/page__st__25 This shows ap1 are still solid built! and people really do boost these with a stock block all the time and they run great! look at s2000 from hell on youtube to see!

 

Already seen it. Excuse my statement, as i stated before i'm just learning by research as i go. I found that these motors are ridiculously solid as a stock block. Guys are running 500-600hp on stock blocks! However, i did find that the keepers and retainers are often replaced. Car is in Troutdale as we speak at Track Forged, very excited haha, wish me a luck and thanks again guys! />